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SB 266

AN ACT relating to traffic control signal monitoring systems.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Berg

Kentucky SB 266 creates a civil-penalty framework for red-light violations captured by traffic control signal monitoring systems, replacing criminal charges with $50 penalties and

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Bill Summary · SB 266

Overview

SB 266 (2026 Session, Kentucky) proposes to create and regulate traffic control signal monitoring systems (red-light cameras) and to establish a civil-penalty framework administered by local governments and the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The measure authorizes certain local law enforcement agencies within consolidated local governments to enforce civil penalties for violations captured by these systems, outlines required citation content and procedures, and details penalties, notices, and possible defenses. It also aligns related provisions with transportation and traffic enforcement authority.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a statutory framework for using traffic control signal monitoring systems to enforce violations of entering an intersection on a red signal.
  • Convert certain red-light violations captured by these systems into civil penalties rather than criminal charges, with specific administrative processes for notice, payment, and contest.
  • Provide revenue-sharing and administrative mechanisms to support local governments and the courts, while clarifying enforcement and due-process standards.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 1):

    • Defines “Agency,” “Owner,” “Recorded images,” and “Traffic control signal monitoring system.”
    • A traffic control signal monitoring system is a device with sensors at an intersection that records vehicles entering on red.

  • Civil penalties and notice (Section 2):

    • Civil penalty for a violation captured by the system is $50 if the owner is liable and no citation is given at the time.
    • Revenue split: $45 retained by the local government, $5 sent to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
    • Requires a uniform civil citation form prepared by AOC (in consultation with the Transportation Cabinet) including: owner and operator info, violation details, location, penalty amount, contest instructions, and a warning about suspension of vehicle registration for nonpayment or failure to contest.
    • Agencies must mail the citation, a copy of recorded images, and a sworn technician statement identifying the violator, which may be used in court.
    • Agencies may instead issue a warning notice.
    • The citation must be mailed within 14 days after the violation (subject to some exceptions in Section 3).
    • Options for the recipient: pay the civil penalty to District Court or stand trial.

  • Defenses and court process (Section 3):

    • Establishes defenses the District Court may consider, including:
    • The operator yielded to an emergency vehicle or funeral procession.
    • Vehicle or license plates were stolen.
    • The signal was not properly visible or in proper position.
    • The named person was not operating the vehicle at the time.
    • If it’s determined someone else operated the vehicle, the agency may issue a citation to that operator within 14 days of receiving evidence from the District Court.

  • Registration suspension and penalties (Section 4):

    • If the civil penalty is not paid or contested, and the District Court notifies the Transportation Cabinet, the vehicle registration can be suspended until payment.
    • Violations under this act do not carry points against the driver’s record.

  • Related statutory amendments (Section 5–6):

    • Section 5 clarifies authority to install traffic control devices and that law enforcement agencies within consolidated local governments may use traffic control signal monitoring systems to enforce civil penalties for red-light violations.
    • Section 6 retains general fine schedules and enforcement provisions of Kentucky’s traffic code, but aligns penalties with civil-enforcement provisions for these systems and references to the new framework.

Who would be affected

  • Registered owners and lessees of motor vehicles (as defined) who may be liable for red-light violations captured by traffic control signal monitoring systems.
  • Local governments and their law enforcement agencies operating within consolidated local governments (per KRS Chapter 67C) that administer and enforce civil penalties.
  • The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), which would standardize citation forms and support the civil-enforcement process.
  • Vehicle owners and operators would experience potential registration suspensions if penalties are not paid or contested.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Citations and notices:
    • Citations must be mailed within 14 days after the alleged violation (subject to court-determined exceptions).
    • Uniform civil citation form prepared by AOC in consultation with the Transportation Cabinet.
  • Evidence and process:
    • Agencies must provide recorded images and a sworn technician statement with the citation.
    • Defenses may be raised in District Court; if the named individual was not operating the vehicle, the agency may issue a corrected citation to the actual operator within 14 days of evidence.
  • Payment and contest options:
    • Civil penalty can be paid to District Court or the matter can be contested in court.
    • Nonpayment or failure to contest can trigger suspension of vehicle registration.
  • Financial and administrative implications:
    • Local governments retain the majority of civil penalties ($45 of $50), with $5 sent to the AOC.
    • The framework builds in a mechanism for court involvement and recordkeeping via standardized forms.

Notes

  • The bill creates civil enforcement for red-light violations captured by signal-monitoring systems, rather than traditional traffic-crime charges.
  • It specifies defenses, operator identification requirements, and potential post-violation corrections if operator information is updated through District Court evidence.
  • No driver’s license points are assigned for these civil violations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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