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, June 29, 2016
Texas Judge Declares Red-Light Camera Program Illegal
Cities that operate red-light camera programs often refer to individuals who receive tickets as “scofflaws.” The tables turned for Richardson, Texas on Monday as Dallas County District Court Judge Dale B. Tillery effectively shut down the city’s renegade photo enforcement system over several flagrant violations of state law.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Washington Supreme Court Upgrades Importance Of Field Sobriety Tests
There is no constitutional right to refuse a roadside field sobriety test in Washington. Under a divided state Supreme Court ruling issued earlier this month, a police officer may pull over any motorist he believes might be intoxicated and ask him to perform the familiar “stop and turn” walking test, the stand on one leg test, and the eye movement test. If the driver refuses to participate, prosecutors may tell a jury that this refusal is evidence of guilt.
Monday, June 27, 2016
France, Germany: Speed Cameras Bugged, Burned
In Schwerte, Germany, a beetle crawled through the vents of a speed camera on Tuesday and caused a short circuit. According to a news release from Unna district officials, the automated ticketing machine on the B236 began flashing every passing motorist, regardless of speed. Officials insisted no fines would be issued from the device until it is repaired. In Memmingen, a vigilante threw an ax into the hood of a speed camera car on Friday evening as the vehicle sat on the side of Allgauer Strase issuing tickets. Polizei Bayern estimate the damage at 1000 euros (US $1130). Although officials do not know who might be responsible, they are seeking to pin the blame for the attack on the driver of an Audi A6 who flipped off the camera earlier that day.
Friday, June 24, 2016
US Supreme Court Overturns Criminal Penalty For DUI Blood Draw Refusal
States went too far in imposing criminal sanctions on anyone refusing to submit to a blood draw when accused of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). The US Supreme Court reached this verdict Thursday.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Credit Agencies Order Cities To Stop Reporting Unpaid Tickets
Under rules that took effect last week, government agencies may no longer lower a motorist’s credit score over unpaid traffic tickets or parking citations. The three major credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion agreed to the new policy in a legal settlement with thirty-one state attorneys general last year.
