SB 509

Overview

This bill amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to update definitions for speed-measuring technologies, including LIDAR, RADAR, and mechanical devices, and to establish new restrictions on their use for issuing citations. The legislation primarily focuses on regulating the deployment of RADAR by local law enforcement officers, mandating specific training, vehicle markings, and signage requirements prior to enforcement. Additionally, it introduces financial caps on the fines municipalities can retain from RADAR enforcement and sets strict calibration and testing intervals for all speed-measuring equipment.

Key Provisions

• Establishes new definitions for "LIDAR," "RADAR," "RADAR in motion," and "mechanical, electrical and electronic device" within the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.
• Prohibits conviction based on speed evidence from LIDAR, RADAR, or similar devices unless the recorded speed is at least 10 mph over the limit (or 6 mph over if the limit exceeds 55 mph), with exceptions for school zones and work zones.
• Restricts the use of RADAR by local law enforcement officers to municipalities that have adopted a specific ordinance, requiring officer training, visible marked vehicles, and the placement of four warning signs within 500 feet of the municipality boundary.
• Limits the revenue a municipality can retain from RADAR enforcement fines to no more than 101% of the fines received in the preceding calendar year, with excess amounts remitted to the state Motor License Fund.
• Mandates that RADAR used for manual enforcement by local officers be limited to a 90-day probationary period where only written warnings may be issued.
• Requires LIDAR and similar devices to be calibrated and tested every 365 days, while mechanical devices must be tested every 60 days prior to alleged violations.
• Prohibits the use of any speed timing device to measure speed within 500 feet of a sign indicating a decrease in speed limit, unless the sign pertains to a school zone, bridge, elevated structure, hazardous grade, or work zone.
• Explicitly states that violations of the new local RADAR speed limits are summary offenses that do not result in criminal convictions or the assessment of points on a driver's license.