HF 256 (LSB 1940YH (3) 86)

HOUSE FILE 256

BY  FORBES

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to automated traffic law enforcement system signage.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 321.1, Code 2015, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  06A.  “Automated traffic law enforcement system” means a device with one or more sensors working in conjunction with one of the following:
   a.  An official traffic-control signal, to produce recorded images of motor vehicles entering an intersection against a red signal light.
   b.  A speed measuring device, to produce recorded images of motor vehicles traveling at a prohibited rate of speed.
   c.  A railroad grade crossing signal light, as described in section 321.342, to produce images of vehicles violating the signal light.
   d.  Any official traffic-control device, if failure to comply with the official traffic-control device constitutes a moving violation under this chapter.
    Sec. 2.  NEW SECTION.  321.253C  Automated traffic law enforcement systems —— signage.
   1.  a.  If the department or a local authority uses a fixed automated traffic law enforcement system to monitor a street, road, or highway in this state, the department or the local authority shall post a permanent sign at least five hundred feet, but no more than one thousand feet, in advance of the location where the system is in use to advise drivers that the system is in place.
   b.  If the department or a local authority uses a mobile automated traffic law enforcement system to monitor a street, road, or highway in this state, the department or the local authority shall post a temporary sign at least five hundred feet, but no more than one thousand feet, in advance of the location where the system is in use to advise drivers that the system is in place.
   2.  The signage required by this section shall be as prescribed by the manual on uniform traffic-control devices adopted by the department pursuant to section 321.252.
    Sec. 3.  IMPLEMENTATION OF ACT.  Section 25B.2, subsection 3, shall not apply to this Act.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with

the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   Current administrative rules require signage in advance of the location of automated traffic law enforcement systems located on roads under the jurisdiction of the department of transportation (DOT). This bill codifies these provisions and requires the DOT and local authorities to use such signage on all streets, roads, and highways in the state.
   The bill defines “automated traffic law enforcement system” as a device with one or more sensors working in conjunction with an official traffic-control signal, a speed measuring device, a railroad grade crossing signal light, or any other official traffic-control device.
   The bill requires the DOT and local authorities to post signs indicating the presence of an automated traffic law enforcement system at least 500 feet, but no more than 1,000 feet, in advance of the location of the system to advise drivers that the system is in place. In addition, the bill provides that fixed systems require permanent signage, and mobile systems require temporary signage. The signage required shall be as prescribed by the manual on uniform traffic-control devices adopted by the DOT.
   The bill may include a state mandate as defined in Code section 25B.3. The bill makes inapplicable Code section 25B.2, subsection 3, which would relieve a political subdivision from complying with a state mandate if funding for the cost of the state mandate is not provided or specified. Therefore, political subdivisions are required to comply with any state mandate included in the bill.