Simitian’s Red-Light Camera Crackdown Green-Lighted by Senate

Ever get the feeling that red-light cameras have become less about public safety and more about generating cash for cities? If so, state Senator Joe Simitian's passed a bill for you.

The California State Senate Thursday unanimously passed SB 1303, a bill by Simitian (D-Palo Alto) that would give drivers an easy way to contest red-light tickets and that would tightly regulate the use of right-light cameras. 

“This bill is designed to establish some ground rules around the use of red-light cameras, and make sure that drivers’ rights are protected,” Simitian said. “We want to be sure that if drivers get a ticket that they shouldn’t have, they have a way to contest the ticket that’s relatively quick and convenient.”

Simitian has been fielding complaints from drivers about the accuracy of the cameras—a subject that has spawned fiery debate in the years since they have begun popping up at busy intersections everywhere.  

“I don’t oppose red-light cameras per se,” said Simitian. “But I believe that traffic tickets should only be issued to improve public safety, not to raise revenue.”

The bill requires that camera locations be selected based on safety considerations, not their potential to generate revenue. It also requires cities and counties to follow state standards in placing and operating the cameras, and requires adequate signage to notify drivers when the cameras are in use.

The bill also prohibits so-called “snitch-tickets,” which frees innocent drivers from the requirement of identifying another driver in order to clear an inaccurate ticket, and makes it easier for drivers to get their ticket cleared.

The legislation is another product of Simitian’s “There Oughta Be a Law” contest, which takes policy suggestions from his constituents.

SB1303 was suggested by San Jose resident Vera Gil, who received multiple red-light tickets for a car in Southern California that she doesn’t own and has never driven, according to a statement Thursday by Simitian.

More detail about SB1303 is available here.