Images and data from traffic safety cameras and toll systems may soon be available to law enforcement agencies and officers with a warrant. SB 5722 is sponsored by Sen. Patty Kuderer (D–Bellevue) and is currently scheduled for a hearing and a vote this week.

Washington state law currently restricts the use of automated traffic safety cameras by local governments. Generally, automated traffic safety cameras may only be used for detecting driving violations (like breezing through stoplights, speeding, etc.) or for use in photo toll systems. Automated cameras may only take photos of the vehicle and license plate while an infraction is occurring and may not show the face of the driver or passengers. The images are not open to the public and cannot be used in a court unless the action relates to the traffic violation or toll collection penalties.

This bill would allow any photograph, microphotographs, electronic images, or records collected with an automated traffic safety camera or photo toll system to be made available to law enforcement provided they first obtain a warrant. Law enforcement has long sought this change to help when investigating other serious crimes where these images may be important evidence. AWC supports this thoughtful approach to making that possible.

Dates to remember

SB 5722 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Law & Justice Committee on Monday, February 13 at 10:30 am and executive session on Thursday, February 16 at 8 am.