Harrisburg – Senate voted today to approve legislation sponsored by Senator Mario Scavello (R-40) permitting municipal police in Pennsylvania to use radar for speed enforcement. The The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“Even though speeding is the leading contributor to fatal crashes and 30% of fatal speeding crashes occur on local roads, Pennsylvania remains the only state to not permit the local use of this safety technology,” said Scavello. “The use of radar should be viewed as a driver protection which provides the most accurate tool for the enforcement of speed limits. This technology is much more efficient and effective than the dated technology of the past.”
- Prohibits convictions if the speed recorded is less than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit where the posted limit is less than 70 miles per hour.
- Sets a revenue cap on the amount of money a municipality may keep from speeding tickets at no more than 10% of its municipal budget.
- Requires a municipality to adopt an ordinance before allowing police to use radar.
- Sets calibration standards for the use of radar guns.
““Here in the 40th Senate District, we’ve seen at least 15 pedestrian deaths over the past 20 years where speed was a factor, and just one is too many. This legislation will save lives.” Scavello said.
The legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, Pennsylvania Municipal League, Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, Pennsylvania Association of Township Commissioners, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors and Pennsylvania State Mayors Association.
Contact: Christine Zubeck czubeck@pasen.gov (717) 787-6123