Bill
H 3905
Allows Salem MA to install fixed automated speed cameras in designated school zones with 25 fine, owner liability rules, and civil enforcement.
Status: Introduced (House Docket No. 4299); committee referral and actions noted.
Primary sponsors: Representative Manny Cruz; Senator Joan B. Lovely.
Classification: Local-authority enabling act / resolution (document contains two distinct items — see “Notes on document contents” below).
The principal measure in the provided text is an act authorizing the City of Salem, Massachusetts, to use automated road safety camera systems to enforce speed limits in designated school zones. The stated intent is to promote traffic safety around schools by permitting fixed automated cameras that record speeding violations and create a civil enforcement process.
Definitions
- “Automated Road Safety Camera System”: device that produces digital photographs and may record vehicle speed.
- “Camera Enforceable Violation”: limited to exceeding speed limits (cites sections 17 or 18 of chapter 90) while traveling in a “designated school zone.”
- “Designated School Zone”: within 300 feet of property comprising accredited preschools/Head Start/elementary/vocational/secondary schools, when violations occur between 5:00 a.m. and midnight (regardless of whether school is in session).
Authority and deployment
- The City of Salem may install automated cameras on ways under its control and, with written permission from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, on commonwealth-controlled ways.
- Up to two fixed automated cameras may be used per designated school zone.
Enforcement, penalties, and process
- Maximum civil fine: $25 per violation.
- Liability generally attaches to the vehicle owner, except when the operator was issued a citation for the underlying violation (owner not liable if operator ticketed under chapter 90C).
- The city may issue written warnings for education.
- Notices must include recorded images/data, vehicle registration info, date/time/location, instructions for payment and contesting, and hearing info.
- Mailing timelines: within 14 days for Massachusetts-registered vehicles; within 21 days for out-of-state registrations.
- Owners have 60 days to pay or contest; undisputed late matters are subject to subsequent enforcement (text references subsection (l) for consequences).
- Several exceptions relieve owner liability (emergency vehicle passage, funeral procession, stolen vehicle, rental/leasing cases — procedure for rentals referenced in section 4 but text truncated).
- Violations issued under this chapter are not recorded on the operator’s driving record and do not count as a moving conviction for motor vehicle premium surcharge (chapter 175, section 113B).
- Photographic/digital evidence sworn by police or designee is prima facie evidence.
- Police department supervises the program and may hire staff or contract services to operate it.
The package provided also contains text of a separate South Carolina House resolution honoring Pastor (Reverend) Venus Young of Bethlehem Baptist Church for long service. That resolution is ceremonial and unrelated to the Massachusetts automated-enforcement measure. The presence of both in the same document appears to be an aggregation/misfile; they should be treated as separate items:
- MA H 3905: substantive local enabling act for automated speed cameras in Salem.
- SC resolution: honorary recognition of Reverend Venus Young (ceremonial, no regulatory effect).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
