HB 1423 could authorize cities to join a pilot program for automated vehicle noise enforcement cameras. The bill has a hearing on Monday, March 31, at 4 pm.

This bill, sponsored by Rep. Brandy Donaghy (D-Everett), allows jurisdictions to set up cameras equipped to capture audio and images when loud vehicle sounds are detected. Personnel review the cameras’ findings and determine whether or not the vehicle operated within the allowed decibel range.

The key provisions of the bill allow:

• Automated traffic safety cameras: Redefines traffic cameras to include automated noise enforcement cameras.
• Automated noise cameras: Allows the use of cameras equipped with microphones to capture audio and visual data for detecting vehicles that violate noise standards in certain areas (see below).
• Enforcement zones: Specific areas are allowed for the noise cameras to operate, targeting zones prone to illegal street racing or with repeated noise complaints (see below).

The sound-equipped cameras can be added in areas where traffic cameras are currently permitted. These include:

• At select locations to detect speed violations in cities identified as priority locations—one camera per 10,000 residents;
• On state routes within city limits that are classified as city streets;
• At certain locations in cities over 500,000 in population for stopping at intersection and crosswalk, stopping when traffic is obstructed, public transportation-only lane use, and stopping or traveling in a restricted lane violations;
• At red light intersections that meet minimum yellow change interval requirements;
• At railroad grade crossings;
• In school, park, and hospital speed and walk zones;
• In roadway work zones, when workers are present;
• On bus rapid transit corridors or routes to detect transit-only lane violations;
• To detect ferry queue violations; and
• On public transportation vehicle-mounted systems operated by a transit authority within a county with more than 1.5 million in population.

The bill proposes to add sound-equipped cameras as a pilot program to ensure that it works as intended before considering statewide usage.

The bill was amended on the House floor to exclude amplified music recorded by vehicle noise enforcement cameras from being used as evidence of excessive noise.

Dates to remember

HB 1423 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee on Monday, March 31 at 4 pm.