HB56 Alabama 2016 1st Special Session Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

First Special Session 2016

Title

Fairfield, motor vehicles, automated traffic infraction device, use for red light enforcement authorized, procedures, posting of informational signs, civil fines, record keeping by Criminal Justice Information Center, appeals, tampering with photographic traffic signal enforcement system, prohibited, Fairfield Red Light Safety Act

Summary

The Fairfield Red Light Safety Act lets Fairfield use automated red-light cameras to issue civil fines to vehicle owners, with rules for notices, hearings, appeals, and enforcement, and lets the actual driver be sued if the fines are paid.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes automated red-light enforcement in Fairfield as civil violations with fines up to $100 and court costs. The owner is presumptively liable, but there are procedures to contest liability and to transfer liability to the actual driver, including rental vehicles. The city must post warning signs, run a public notice campaign, and report enforcement data; penalties are civil, not criminal, and records are not added to criminal or driving records.

Who It Affects

• Vehicle owners (including renters/lessees) in Fairfield who may be held civilly liable for red-light violations detected by cameras and must respond to notices and fines, with the option to contest liability or transfer responsibility to the actual driver.
• The City of Fairfield, Fairfield Municipal Court, Jefferson County Circuit Court, and city staff (including trained technicians) who implement, adjudicate, and enforce the automated red-light system.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes Fairfield to use an automated photographic traffic signal enforcement system to detect and record red-light violations and to issue civil penalties by mail.
• Liability is presumptive on the vehicle owner, with procedures to contest liability and to transfer liability to the actual operator, including cases involving rental vehicles.
• Civil fines are capped at $100; municipal court costs apply; an additional $10 is collected for the Criminal Justice Information Center and deposited to the CJIC fund.
• Signage and public notice requirements: signs at entry points, warning notices near intersections, and a 30-day public awareness campaign before operation; decoy devices may be used.
• Notice and hearing process: notices mailed within 30 days to the owner, with details and images; the owner may pay in lieu of a hearing, and may request an adjudicative hearing within 15 days; the city bears the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence at hearing.
• Appeals: civil liability decisions can be appealed to the Jefferson County Circuit Court for trial de novo; the circuit court handles the civil appeal with applicable procedures and costs; the city must provide representation in the circuit court.
• Defenses and protections: affirmative defenses exist (e.g., poor visibility, police orders, emergency vehicle exceptions, stolen vehicle/plate, sign not installed, etc.); identity issues may affect weight of evidence; tampering with the system is prohibited; no arrest for nonpayment; civil penalties do not create a criminal record.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Jefferson County