BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2852

By: Mallory Caraway

Urban Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Observers note that many motorists are being fined because they are unaware of where they need

to stop before making a right turn at a red light. The observers report that before red light

cameras were used in Texas, a motorist facing a red light needed only to stop before turning right

to comply with the law. However, it is noted that if a red light camera is installed at an

intersection, a motorist facing a red light and intending to turn right must first stop at a clearly

marked stop line or, in the absence of a stop line, stop before entering a crosswalk to avoid being

fined. To eliminate confusion and create greater transparency in the law, H.B. 2852 seeks to

require the installation of a sign at an intersection with a red light camera to indicate where the

operator of a vehicle must stop before turning right if the light is red and turning right is

permissible.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B.2852 amends the Transportation Code to require a municipality to install a sign at each

intersection at which a photographic traffic monitoring system is in active use and at which

turning right is permissible as provided by provisions of law relating to traffic control signals.

The bill requires a local authority to install a sign at each intersection at which a photographic

traffic signal enforcement system is in active use and at which turning right is permissible as

provided by provisions of law relating to traffic control signals. The bill requires such signs to

indicate the location at which the operator of the vehicle must stop the vehicle when facing a

steady red signal to comply with those provisions of law.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011