Proposal bans traffic light camera fines across Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A new Florida resolution would ban traffic signal cameras being used to impose penalties on drivers failing to stop at red lights.
The resolution from Sen. Ileana Garcia, R-Miami, proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution, outlawing government-run “traffic infraction detectors” in nearly all cases.
It applies to the detectors operated either by the state or its “political subdivisions.”
However, it still allows using such detectors in school speed zone road sections.
Below is the proposed wording for Section 33, Article X of the Florida Constution:
Prohibition on traffic infraction detectors. – The state or a political subdivision thereof is prohibited from placing and operating traffic infraction detectors used for the purpose of detecting when a driver of a motor vehicle fails to stop at a traffic signal. This prohibition does not apply to the placement and operation of traffic infraction detectors on portions of roadways established as school speed zones.
SJR 1042
Red light cameras are mostly used in Florida’s major urban or high population density areas, including Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade County. There are also red light cameras in the Tampa Bay area.
They are rarer in Southwest Florida and the northern half of the state, including major cities Jacksonville and the state’s capital, Tallahassee.
According to a 2022-released report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on the usage of traffic light cameras, there are just under 500 red light cameras statewide.
During fiscal year 2021-2022, the report found that authorities issued nearly a million red light traffic violations. However, that number is down from a peak of over 1.2 million in 2015-2016 despite Florida’s growing population.
To be passed, the resolution must be approved with a three-fifths vote by the Florida House of Representatives and Senate.
From there, the amendment wording would appear on Florida voters’ ballots in the coming November election, requiring 60% for full approval. Then, if approved, it would take effect in January 2025.
Lawmakers convene for the upcoming session on Jan. 9, 2024.
