SB481

Senate Bill 481 amends Arkansas law regarding the use of automated traffic enforcement devices (such as photo-radar) by state, county, and municipal governments. The bill generally restricts the use of these devices for enforcing traffic laws or municipal ordinances, except in specific high-risk locations, including school zones, railroad crossings, and highway work zones. When these devices are used in authorized areas, the legislation mandates that a certified law enforcement officer must be physically present with the device and must issue the citation to the violator at the time and place of the infraction. Furthermore, the bill establishes strict data retention policies, prohibiting the storage of automated enforcement data unless it is linked to an active criminal or civil investigation or a specific issued citation or warning. The act explicitly clarifies that these restrictions do not impede the Arkansas Highway Police from using automated devices to enforce state or federal motor carrier laws. This bill serves to regulate and limit the reliance on unmanned automated traffic enforcement systems across the state.