Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Senator Kent Adams has filed legislation - S.B. 4 - again this year to allow red-light cameras.
The bill defines "automated traffic law enforcement system" as a device with one or more sensors working in conjunction with a traffic control signal that takes a photo of a motor vehicle running a red light.
Adam's second version of the bill, which failed in committee earlier this year, allows city or town councils to create ordinances establishing a redlight camera program. The local government or traffic commission would establish where the cameras would be placed.
The image of the motor vehicle proceeding through a red light would be sent through the mail to the owner of the vehicle with a civil penalty not to exceed $100.
Authorities would treat the offense as a non-moving violation, which would not affect driver license points or insurance unless an accident was caused.
Several defenses against the violation are outlined in the bill, should the vehicle owner wish to question the photograph.
Defenses include if the owner was engaged in the business of renting or leasing a vehicle at the time of the offense or if the vehicle was in the care, custody or control of a person under a written rental or lease for a period of not more than 60 days; and the owner provides the name and address of the person who was renting or leasing the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation.
The violation would be void if the owner can prove the vehicle or license plate had been stolen before the violation occurred. A proof of a police report must be provided.
Cosponsors include senators Tom Wyss (R-Fort Wayne), Charles Meeks (R-Leo) and Allie Craycraft (D-Muncie).
