Each Wednesday, we’ll publish quick summaries of the articles from the last week on TheNewspaper.com. We’re doing this because these articles are often strongly connected to the issues that National Motorists Association members are interested in.
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
New Mexico: Federal Lawsuit Challenges Red-Light Camera Robocalls
In many states, red-light camera and speed camera tickets are treated as civil infractions that do not carry the same penalties for non-payment as a moving violation. As a result, the companies that mail the citations rely on credit collection firms to convince vehicle owners to pay up. A new class action lawsuit says the collection practices in Albuquerque, New Mexico violate federal law.
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
Missouri: Federal Judge Backs Headlight Flash Speed Trap Warning
The flashing of a car’s headlights is a near universal warning that a police officer lurks nearby, eager to issue an expensive speeding citation. After the town of Ellisville, Missouri threatened $1000 fines to discourage the practice, US District Court Judge Henry E. Autrey stepped in Monday to remind the town that it is perfectly legal.
Monday, February 03, 2014
California: Lawsuit Filed Over License Plate Reader Secrecy
Police in Los Angeles, California do not want the public to know how the department uses automated license plate readers (ALPR or ANPR in Europe). On Friday, privacy advocates filed a lawsuit to force the city government to reveal how this technology is being used to track motorists.
Sunday, February 02, 2014
France, Italy, UK: Speed Cameras Topple, Injure
In Indre-et-Loire, France vigilantes knocked over an average speed camera on Wednesday. La Nouvelle Republique reports that the bolts securing the automated ticketing machine on the RD952 to its base were loosened and the device simply pushed over.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Georgia Eliminates DUI Refusal Loophole
The Georgia Court of Appeals last week confirmed that police can conduct a forced blood test on a suspected drunk driver if a judge issues a search warrant, deciding that the state legislature had overruled the 2006 state Supreme Court decision on the topic.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Fourth Missouri Court of Appeals Ruling Strikes Down Traffic Cameras
The legal departments at photo enforcement companies have been having a bad year so far. Last week, the Ohio Appeals Court allowed motorists to sue for a class action refund of speed camera tickets. An ongoing federal court battle revealed to the world that a former top Redflex executive admitted his company has bribed officials in over a dozen states. On Tuesday, red-light camera programs in Missouri suffered another defeat in the state’s second highest court.
