Report Title:
Speeding; traffic fines
Description:
Increases traffic fines for speeding in residential areas.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1332 |
TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. In 2000 and 2001, the legislature attempted to address the hazards of speeding by passing Act 293 in 2000 and Act 138 in 2001. Together, both Acts increased the fines for speeding in school zones and construction areas. Both areas represented a high risk of injury from speeders because of the preponderance of children and exposure to faster traffic, respectively. Anecdotal evidence shows that both Acts contributed to a reduction in speeding in both areas, leading to less injury.
Numerous constituents of many legislators relate stories of speeding in residential areas. Residential areas face some of the same challenges today as school zones. In many residential areas, children play on streets or in close proximity to traffic. Additionally, in many residential areas, the elderly and others choose to be pedestrians or exercise in proximity to speeding traffic. Speeding in residential area represents a heightened risk of injury to pedestrians and motorists alike. The purpose of this Act is to approach the speeding problem in residential areas in the same manner as past legislation for school zones and construction areas.
SECTION 2. Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§291C- Speeding in a residential area. (a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at a speed greater than the maximum speed limit established pursuant to subsection (b) within a residential area. Appropriate law enforcement personnel may enforce the maximum speed limit established for residential areas.
(b) Section 291C-102 notwithstanding, the director of transportation and the counties, in their respective jurisdictions, shall establish maximum speed limits for residential areas. The director of transportation shall place official signs in residential areas.
(c) Any person who violates this section shall be fined $150 and $5 per mile in excess of the speed limit.
(d) The director shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 as may be necessary to implement this section."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY: |
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