Bill Sponsors
Ciccone, Bissaillon, Raptakis, and Thompson
Committee
Senate Judiciary
Summary
Select
This bill extends the expiration date for the use of automated traffic cameras that monitor "Don't Block the Box" violations at intersections. Under current law, municipalities are allowed to install these cameras at up to three intersections to photograph drivers who block traffic, but this permission was set to expire on January 15, 2027. This legislation extends that date by three years, allowing these specific traffic monitoring systems to remain in operation until January 15, 2030.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Reduces traffic gridlock, which improves the reliability and efficiency of public transit systems like city buses that serve the community.
- Enhances community welfare by keeping crosswalks and intersections clear, making them safer for pedestrians, wheelchair users, and bicyclists.
- Maintains a regulation that prohibits paying private camera operators based on ticket revenue, removing a profit motive that can lead to predatory ticketing practices.
Cons for Progressives
- Automated traffic fines act as a regressive penalty, disproportionately burdening low-income individuals who may struggle to pay the fines, leading to cascading financial hardships.
- Extends the use of government surveillance systems, raising concerns about civil liberties and the continuous monitoring of citizens in public spaces.
- Relies on punitive financial penalties rather than investing in systemic infrastructure improvements to solve the root causes of traffic congestion.
Pros for Conservatives
- Upholds the rule of law by ensuring that drivers who illegally block intersections are consistently identified and penalized for their infractions.
- Allows local governments to contract with private corporations to provide and maintain the camera equipment, promoting corporate involvement in civic operations.
- Increases enforcement efficiency without requiring additional police officers to physically monitor intersections, freeing up law enforcement resources for more serious crimes.
Cons for Conservatives
- Extends a system of automated government surveillance, which infringes upon the personal privacy and freedom of motorists traveling on public roads.
- Undermines traditional due process by issuing tickets via machines, effectively denying citizens the right to face a human accuser in traffic court.
- Acts as a backdoor revenue-generation scheme for local governments, expanding the financial burden on citizens under the guise of traffic management.
Constitutional Concerns
There is a moderate risk regarding due process and the Sixth Amendment right to confront one's accuser, as automated cameras issue citations without a police officer present. Additionally, automated surveillance can implicate Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches, though courts have generally upheld traffic cameras if proper administrative appeals processes are in place.
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Motorists
- Municipal governments
- Private traffic camera vendors
- Pedestrians
- Law enforcement
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
None
Revenue Generated
Amount unknown
BillBuddy Impact Ratings
Importance
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Freedom Impact
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Public Services
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Regulatory
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Clarity of Bill Language
How clear the language of the bill is. Higher ambiguity equals a lower score.
Enforcement Provisions
Measures enforcement provisions and penalties for non-compliance (if applicable).
Environmental Impact
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Privacy Impact
Impact the bill is likely to have on the privacy of individuals.
Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 04/20/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
• 04/24/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/28/2026)
• 04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• 04/24/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/28/2026)
• 04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Section 31-41.2-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-41.2 entitled "Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring Systems" is hereby amended to read as follows:
31-41.2-3.Automated traffic violation monitoring systems. [Effective until January 15, 2027.] Automated traffic violation monitoring systems. [Effective until January 15, 2030.]
(a) The state department of transportation and the municipalities of this state are hereby authorized to install and operate automated traffic violation detection systems. Such systems shall be limited to systems which monitor and detect violations of traffic control signals. For purposes of this chapter an automated traffic violation detection system means a system with one or more motor vehicle sensors which produces images of motor vehicles being operated in violation of traffic signal laws. A municipality shall be permitted to install, at up to no more than three (3) designated “Don’t Block the Box” intersections within the municipality, an automated traffic detection system to monitor violations of § 31-15-12.2; provided, however, that the provisions allowing such “Don’t Block the Box” monitoring shall sunset on January 15, 2027 2030, at which time such use as provided in this section shall no longer be permitted.
(b) No automated traffic violation detection system shall be installed pursuant to this section which has not been approved for use by the director of the state department of transportation. The director of the state department of transportation shall promulgate regulations for the approval and operation of said systems pursuant to the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42. Systems shall be approved if the director is satisfied they meet standards of efficiency and accuracy. All systems installed for use under this chapter must be able to record the image of the vehicle and the license plates of the vehicle.
(c) In the event that the system is to be installed other than by the state department of transportation on state-maintained streets or roads, the director of the department of transportation must approve such installation.
(d) The state department of transportation and/or the municipalities may enter into an agreement with a private corporation or other entity to provide automated traffic violation detection systems or equipment and to maintain such systems.
(e) Compensation to a private entity that provides traffic signal monitoring devices shall be based on the value of such equipment and related support services, and shall not be based on the revenue generated by such systems.
31-41.2-3.Automated traffic violation monitoring systems. [Effective January 15, 2027.] Automated traffic violation monitoring systems. [Effective January 15, 2030.]
(a) The Effective January 15, 2030, the state department of transportation and the municipalities of this state are hereby authorized to install and operate automated traffic violation detection systems. Such systems shall be limited to systems which monitor and detect violations of traffic control signals. For purposes of this chapter an automated traffic violation detection system means a system with one or more motor vehicle sensors which produces images of motor vehicles being operated in violation of traffic signal laws.
(b) No automated traffic violation detection system shall be installed pursuant to this section which has not been approved for use by the director of the state department of transportation. The director of the state department of transportation shall promulgate regulations for the approval and operation of said systems pursuant to the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42. Systems shall be approved if the director is satisfied they meet standards of efficiency and accuracy. All systems installed for use under this chapter must be able to record the image of the vehicle and the license plates of the vehicle.
(c) In the event that the system is to be installed other than by the state department of transportation on state-maintained streets or roads, the director of the department of transportation must approve such installation.
(d) The state department of transportation and/or the municipalities may enter into an agreement with a private corporation or other entity to provide automated traffic violation detection systems or equipment and to maintain such systems.
(e) Compensation to a private entity that provides traffic signal monitoring devices shall LC004028 - Page 2 of 4 be based on the value of such equipment and related support services, and shall not be based on the revenue generated by such systems.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
31-41.2-3.
(b) No automated traffic violation detection system shall be installed pursuant to this section which has not been approved for use by the director of the state department of transportation. The director of the state department of transportation shall promulgate regulations for the approval and operation of said systems pursuant to the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42. Systems shall be approved if the director is satisfied they meet standards of efficiency and accuracy. All systems installed for use under this chapter must be able to record the image of the vehicle and the license plates of the vehicle.
(c) In the event that the system is to be installed other than by the state department of transportation on state-maintained streets or roads, the director of the department of transportation must approve such installation.
(d) The state department of transportation and/or the municipalities may enter into an agreement with a private corporation or other entity to provide automated traffic violation detection systems or equipment and to maintain such systems.
(e) Compensation to a private entity that provides traffic signal monitoring devices shall be based on the value of such equipment and related support services, and shall not be based on the revenue generated by such systems.
31-41.2-3.
(b) No automated traffic violation detection system shall be installed pursuant to this section which has not been approved for use by the director of the state department of transportation. The director of the state department of transportation shall promulgate regulations for the approval and operation of said systems pursuant to the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42. Systems shall be approved if the director is satisfied they meet standards of efficiency and accuracy. All systems installed for use under this chapter must be able to record the image of the vehicle and the license plates of the vehicle.
(c) In the event that the system is to be installed other than by the state department of transportation on state-maintained streets or roads, the director of the department of transportation must approve such installation.
(d) The state department of transportation and/or the municipalities may enter into an agreement with a private corporation or other entity to provide automated traffic violation detection systems or equipment and to maintain such systems.
(e) Compensation to a private entity that provides traffic signal monitoring devices shall LC004028 - Page 2 of 4 be based on the value of such equipment and related support services, and shall not be based on the revenue generated by such systems.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.