Texas Bans Speed Cameras!!

[RadarReviews_Net]

They do it different in Texas: Speed cameras banned statewide

Posted May 23rd 2007 9:37AM by Dan Roth
Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Driving


Finally, someone's fighting back against the fleecing of the general populace. Famous for liking things big, Texas lawmakers have laid the smackdown on red light and speed cameras in a large manner. HB.922 states "A municipality may not implement or operate an automated traffic control system with respect to a highway under its jurisdiction," which means that cameras, automated radar or laser, or anything else designed to snag an image of a car, driver, or license plate and record its speed is now forbidden. The even larger racket of red-light cameras have had the brakes applied by HB.1052, which requires giving motorists notice of the devices at least 100 feet out.

These bills have passed through the legislature and are awaiting Governor Rick Perry's inscription. If the measures do make it into law, we hope that other states follow suit. Ticketing egregious speeders and actual red-light scofflaws is one thing, but the systems have been calibrated in a cynical manner to generate loads of revenue (and kickbacks) for the companies that sell and administrate the systems for municipalities. Rather than keeping people safe, random ticketing amounts to a tax, and that really sticks in our craw. We're pleased beyond words that Texas has taken up the motorists' cause, and we hope that the new legislation can stand as a precedent.

Thanks for the tip, Dylan!

[Source: caradvice]

[ProSpeeder]

Well, it has it's good and bad sides but the Texas Leg once again scores one for the little guy.

[RadarReviews_Net]

Texas Bans Speed Cameras!

23 May, 2007



Laws passed in the States have usually never made us sit up and take notice but when we heard the good news, we couldn’t help but to smile.

The people of Texas have finally stood up and had their way. The Texas state legislature gave final approval yesterday to a bill banning speed cameras and requiring red light camera warning signs.
The bill says

A municipality may not implement or operate an automated traffic control system with respect to a highway under its jurisdiction. The attorney general shall enforce this subsection.

And incase you think Automated Traffic Control means just fixed speed cameras, dont worry the Texans have made sure there are no loop holes in the legislation.


Automated traffic control system means a photographic device, radar device, laser device, or other electrical or mechanical device designed to record the speed of a motor vehicle; and obtain one or more photographs or other recorded images of

• the vehicle
• the license plate attached to the vehicle
• or the operator of the vehicle.

As for red light cameras, the authorities have will invalidate any red light camera ticket if motorists do not have advance notice of the presence of a ticketing machine at least 100 feet before the intersection. Both laws are all but passed, only requiring the signature of Texas Governor Rick Perry.
Although we can’t be sure, this appears to be the first case (and hopefully not the last) whereby authorities have banned speed cameras!


Source : Texas Government Legislation - The speed camera ban, HB 922, on May 2 and the warning sign bill, HB 1052, on April 19

['09 Milan]

Wow this is great news for those from texas. I really hope that this spreads throughout the other states. Does anyone know on what basis they were banned?

[RadarReviews_Net]

Originally Posted by '09 Milan

Wow this is great news for those from texas. I really hope that this spreads throughout the other states. Does anyone know on what basis they were banned?

exactly....if one state does it...usually you will see other states start to follow, not sure one the basis yet.

[mike72]

So are we sure this is true?? Everything I looked up pertains to 2007, not 2008.

[RadarReviews_Net]

Originally Posted by mike72

So are we sure this is true?? Everything I looked up pertains to 2007, not 2008.

It's only for speed cameras, I was thinking it was red light cameras too

Hopefully all the other states though will see why it was voted down and follow the state of Texas.

[Dr. SVO]

That's good news, as for the red light cameras I only wish the distance of the signs would be more than 100 feet, and that pictures taken would also cover the traffic conditions behind you. If I'm approaching a yellow light and I see an 18 wheeler with it's brakes locked barreling down on me I'm going to gun the car past the yellow light.

Now another thing that I wish could be addressed is the damn front license plate, it just makes the car look bad.

[Anonymous]

That's a good news. I'm curious why did they ban Speed Cameras? For Red Light Cameras, I can see why they can ban it but Speed Cameras?

I know we don't have any here.

[willpower101]

Originally Posted by Dr. SVO

If I'm approaching a yellow light and I see an 18 wheeler with it's brakes locked barreling down on me I'm going to gun the car past the yellow light.

This won't fly in court. It's not even your fault if he hits you.