As previously reported, SB 1233 (Williams Graves) has had a long journey through the General Assembly. As a conference substitute, SB 1233 (Williams Graves) authorizes state and local law-enforcement agencies to place and operate pedestrian crossing violation and stop sign violation monitoring systems in school crossing zones, highway work zones, and high-risk intersection segments for purposes of recording pedestrian crossing and stop sign violations. The bill also adds multiple guard rails to but does not expand photo speed monitoring device programs and would rename these devices to, “speed safety cameras.”
Civil penalties collected through pedestrian crossing violation monitoring systems, stop sign violation monitoring systems, and speed safety cameras can be kept at the local level and used for the installation and operation of these programs. Any funds collected that exceed installation and operation expenses must be deposited in a local fund, and localities may use these funds solely for:
- Planning, design, and construction projects for traffic safety
- Speed management purposes
- Bicycle and pedestrian safety
- Local systemic safety initiatives otherwise eligible for funding through the Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program
There are many administrative changes to the bill including:
- Expanded reporting requirements for localities
- New vendor calibration and accuracy testing requirements for speed safety cameras
- Vendors are to provide proof of speed safety camera calibration upon request of any person receiving a summons by mail for a vehicle speed violation and establishes fines upon failure to comply
- Local law-enforcement agencies shall conduct a public awareness program to advise the public that the agency is implementing or expanding a pedestrian crossing violation monitoring system or stop sign violation monitoring system.
- At least two conspicuous signs are to be placed for speed safety cameras, pedestrian crossing violation monitoring systems, or stop sign violation monitoring systems and requires one of such signs to be a speed display sign for speed safety cameras. (Delayed effective date of July 1, 2026)
The conference report passed the House by a vote of 54-40 and the Senate by a vote of 25-15.
VACo thanks Senator Williams Graves and the Conferees for their work on this bill. The bill awaits a decision by Governor Youngkin.
VACo Contact: James Hutzler