Clark County supports automated traffic enforcement technology for road safety legislation

The Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure convened on March 31, 2025, to discuss critical amendments to traffic safety legislation aimed at enhancing road safety in Nevada. The meeting focused on several key sections of the proposed bill, which seeks to implement automated traffic enforcement technology while addressing privacy concerns and community involvement.

The first significant point of discussion was Section 3, which proposes to lift the prohibition on certain technologies used for traffic enforcement. Following this, Section 4 outlines exemptions from in-person requirements for data collected through citations. Section 5 establishes a process for contesting citations, allowing individuals 90 days to respond via online, in-person, or mail options.

Further amendments were introduced in Section 7, which expands the Nevada Advisory Committee on Traffic Safety by adding a voting member representing organizations focused on fines and fees reform. This section also mandates the creation of a working group to advise on the deployment of automated traffic enforcement, ensuring community participation through non-voting members.

Section 8 addresses concerns about insurance rates, clearly stating that receiving an infraction from automated enforcement will not lead to increased insurance costs. The timeline for implementation, as detailed in Section 9, indicates that the program will take effect immediately upon the governor's signature, with full authorization beginning January 1, 2026.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of transparency, with a new section requiring jurisdictions to report publicly on camera locations, the number of warnings and citations issued, types of sanctions, and total revenue collected from fines.

Michael Knapp, representing Clark County, expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing its potential to enhance road safety and protect residents' privacy. He shared personal anecdotes about the tragic consequences of traffic incidents, underscoring the urgency of addressing speed-related fatalities. Knapp noted that Clark County has made significant strides in traffic safety, including the establishment of an Office of Traffic Safety, which coordinates efforts across various departments to improve road safety.

The committee's discussions reflect a commitment to leveraging technology for public safety while ensuring community engagement and privacy protections. As the bill progresses, stakeholders are hopeful that these measures will lead to safer roadways for all Nevadans.