Louisiana lawmakers will soon go into legislative session where they will discuss a proposed bill that would prohibit the use of automated speed enforcement devices, mobile speed cameras and red-light cameras.
The bill, proposed by Louisiana Senator Stewart Cathey in 2024, would repeal the present law’s authority to use automated speed enforcement devices, mobile speed cameras and red-light cameras.
The proposed law would also provide for the definition of automated speed enforcement devices, mobile speed cameras and red light cameras.
Senator Stewart Cathey proposed law to prohibit speed enforcement cameras
The proposed bill says that no ordinance or regulation “shall be enforced by use of automated speed enforcement device, mobile speed camera, red light camera or other similar device.”
Additionally, the bill proposes that, “the use of automated speed enforcement devices, mobile speed cameras, red light cameras or other similar devices shall be strictly prohibited in this state.”
Senator Cathey has been working to ban automated speed cameras in Louisiana, as he believes that the use of such devices is unfair to Louisiana residents, reported KNOE 8 News.
“I think it’s a money grab. I think it’s unconstitutional and I think that it’s unfair to the people of Louisiana,” said Cathey.
According to Cathey, speeding tickets issued by speed enforcement devices are also not enforceable.
“There are zero consequences to not paying a speed camera ticket. It cannot go on your credit. They cannot arrest you. They can’t put a lien on anything. Cannot suspend your driver’s license. There are no repercussions if you choose not to pay,” said Cathey.
Cathey hopes to invoke a change within the use of automated speed enforcement devices this legislative session.
A speeding camera is visible on Commercial Street SE and Madrona Ave SE on Wednesday, March 27, 2025, in Salem, Ore. It has the highest number of speeding violations.
Present law for speed enforcement cameras
Presently, Louisiana state law prohibits local municipal authorities or local parish authorities from installing or utilizing automated speed enforcement devices to regulate or enforce traffic on any interstate roadways within their corporate or territorial limits.
Present law also allows local municipal authorities or local parish authorities to use mobile speed cameras and red light cameras with required signage to warn motorists that the devices are present.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Will speed enforcement cameras be banned in Louisiana?