SB348 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Motor vehicles, automated traffic enforcement systems, provides that State Law Enforcement Agency gives approval to a municipality before authorized to use, municipality issues notices of violations, civil fines, late fees, Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Act

Summary

SB 348 would require ALEA approval for automated traffic enforcement, create a civil-fines system with hearings and appeals, and ensure violations are not treated as criminal convictions.

What This Bill Does

ALEA must approve any automated traffic enforcement system before a municipality can operate it. The bill creates civil fines for speeding or traffic-control device violations captured by cameras (up to $110), with a $25 late fee and court costs in contested cases; $10 of each fine goes to ALEA for oversight and related costs, with the rest distributed per misdemeanor law. Notices are mailed within 30 days to the vehicle owner, and owners may request an adjudicative hearing in municipal court or appeal to the circuit court in a de novo trial, with violations not counting as criminal convictions. The act also requires audits, annual reporting to the Legislature, data-privacy rules, public notice, and signage at device locations.

Who It Affects

• Municipalities that operate automated traffic enforcement systems, because they must obtain ALEA approval, follow plan requirements, post notices, conduct public awareness campaigns, and conduct hearings and appeals under the new system.
• Vehicle owners and drivers in Alabama, because they may receive civil fines (not criminal convictions), must be notified by mail, can contest or appeal fines, and must pay or face penalties under the civil process.

Key Provisions

• Requires ALEA approval via a commission before a municipality may implement automated traffic enforcement.
• Establishes civil fines for violations (up to $110) with a $25 late fee; $10 of each fine goes to ALEA for oversight; rest distributed as prescribed by law for misdemeanor violations; court costs in contested cases.
• Notices of violation mailed to the owner within 30 days; notices must include two images showing the violation and license plate.
• Allows adjudicative hearings in municipal courts, with the municipality bearing the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence; trained technicians may provide affidavits.
• Allows appeals from municipal court to circuit court in a trial de novo; municipality must have counsel for circuit-court proceedings.
• Violations are not criminal convictions and do not appear on criminal or driving records; nonpayment penalties and lien provisions are specified.
• Requires public awareness campaigns before operation, posting of signage at device locations, and adherence to traffic-control device standards; imposes data privacy and security rules.
• Provides that if the license plate cannot be clearly identified, no notice may be issued; otherwise, identity issues may affect weight of evidence but not admissibility.

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

Subjects

Motor Vehicles