Michigan Lawmakers Could Vote To Ban Red Light Cameras

MICHIGAN — When the Michigan state legislature reconvenes on April 12, lawmakers could consider a bill that would ban officials from using cameras to cite drivers running a red light.

There are more than 2o states, including neighboring states such as Ohio and Illinois that use the cameras to issue tickets. While Michigan is not on that list, some state lawmakers are trying to make sure of it.

The state Senate already passed Senate Bill 857, which said, "Any citation issued on the basis of a recorded image produced by a photographic traffic signal enforcement system in violation of this section is void."

Michigan is also one of 28 states without a speed monitoring camera law. And while the current version of the Senate Bill only applies to red light cameras, some lawmakers hope to add that provision to the final version of the bill before it reaches the House floor.

"It’s important Michigan bans the use of red-light cameras on our streets to not only help protect the lives of drivers and passengers, but also to protect their constitutional rights," the main sponsor of the bill, state Sen. Lana Theis of Brighton said. "I thank my Senate colleagues for standing up against these unnecessary money-grabs and urge the support of my House colleagues."