NMA Missouri Alert: Legislature to Consider Motorist Bills in 2012
The Missouri General Assembly is set to take up several critical measures related to motorists’ rights in 2012:
Senate Bill 610 would prohibit the use of red-light cameras throughout the state. Red-light camera programs put revenue generation before public safety, to the detriment of motorists. It’s time to take the profit motive out of traffic enforcement by banning red-light cameras in Missouri. Senate Bill 517 would impose an additional $1,500 fine on motorists who fail to drive in the right lane, except when passing or under certain circumstances. A violation of the current law carries up to 15 days in jail and a fine up to $300. Lane Courtesy is of critical importance to the NMA, but we believe public education is the key to compliance, not heavy-handed penalties or enforcement efforts. We, therefore, do not support this bill. Senate Bill 611 would require the Missouri Department of Transportation to establish minimum yellow light times in accordance with the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). If passed, this bill would have little impact because the MUTCD guidelines are too broad and not based on vehicle approach speeds. (Learn more about the proper timing of yellow lights.) Senate Bill 463 would increase the fine for a seat belt violation from $10 to $50. The NMA opposes mandatory seat belt laws and does not support this legislation. More background on some of these proposals can be found here. Contact your House and Senate members to let them know your views on these issues. Stand up for motorists’ rights in Missouri.
