The NMA continues to advocate for motorists’ rights at the national, state and local level. Legislatures across the country took up a broad range of motorists’ issues in the first quarter of 2013. Here’s a brief summary of the driving-related issues we addressed:
Supported Assembly Bill 612 which would add 1.0 second to the duration of the yellow lights at intersections equipped with red-light cameras. This approach has proven to be an extremely effective way to increase intersection safety, reducing accidents by as much as 40 percent. The bill passed the House and is under consideration in the Senate Transportation & Housing Committee.
Opposed Assembly Bill 666, which would deny crucial due process rights to motorists who receive red-light camera tickets. This bill was under consideration in the House Transportation Committee but was ultimately killed due to widespread public outcry, aided by the NMA and its California allies.
Encouraged members to fight against a judge’s ruling that overturned ballot results to remove red-light cameras from Murrieta. The judge recently ruled to overturn the ballot results. However, a 4-0 vote by the city council in May had already effectively abolished the program.
Opposed amendments to House Bill 7125 (the omnibus transportation spending bill) which stripped away key due process rights for camera ticket recipients and allowed the imposition of a $250 surcharge on top of the base ticket fine. The bill was passed and was signed into law.
Encouraged members to speak out on a number of bills pertaining to the authorization of red-light cameras, speed cameras in school zones, school bus cameras and privacy controls over data from automated license plate readers.
Supported House Bill 3062 which seeks to even the playing field for all road users by increasing fines for bicyclists who commit traffic infractions and ensuring that bicyclists consistently follow the rules of the road. The bill is under consideration in the Joint Committee on Transportation.
Opposed House Bill 4762 and House Bill 4763 which, collectively, would allow Michigan cities to install and operate red-light cameras. The bills are effectively stalled until the House returns from its summer recess.
Supported Senate Bill 709 which would authorize speed limits of 75 mph on certain segments of Interstate highway. The bill made it through the Senate but failed in the House.
Thanks to the many NMA members who volunteered their time to send emails, write letters, make phone calls, and work with policymakers and media outlets on these important issues.
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