Traffic Camera Restrictions Clear Louisiana Senate, Head to House

State Senator Alan Seabaugh told KEEL News on Tuesday morning about an update on the push to limit traffic cameras in Louisiana. After falling just a few votes short last year of an outright ban, lawmakers have made significant progress this session. 

Senator Seabaugh explained that an amendment he proposed, which restricts the use of speed cameras to school zones only, easily passed the Senate. The amendment also introduces stricter rules for warning drivers. Moving forward, school zones with speed cameras must have: 

• A two-foot wide yellow stripe painted across the road with "Entering School Zone" lettering. 

• Another two-foot wide yellow stripe 200 feet ahead that reads "School Zone Ahead." 

• A 48x48 inch sign indicating photo enforcement. 

Seabaugh said one of the biggest complaints from constituents was drivers unknowingly racking up multiple tickets, sometimes 10 or 15, before ever realizing they were even in a school zone. "If it's truly about safety, we need to make sure people know when they're entering a school zone," he said. 

Civil Fines Only, No Credit Damage 

Under the new proposal, speed camera violations will be treated strictly as civil fines, not criminal violations. Cities would not be allowed to report unpaid tickets to credit bureaus, file suits, or place liens on property. "If a city tries to violate that, it’s malfeasance in office," Seabaugh said, emphasizing that local leaders would face criminal charges for ignoring the new regulations. 

Advice to Local Governments: Stop Expanding Now 

Seabaugh warned that local governments like Caddo Parish, which recently approved adding more cameras outside school zones, should reconsider. If the law passes, expanding traffic cameras outside school zones could open officials to malfeasance charges. 

READ MORE: Traffic Cameras: Money Grab or Safety Measure?

No Change to Where Fines Go 

Though there was talk about redirecting the revenue from traffic cameras to law enforcement, particularly local sheriffs, Seabaugh said the proposal became too complicated. The bill leaves fine distribution unchanged. 

Confident About House Passage 

The bill now heads to the House, where Seabaugh feels optimistic. "People generally hate these cameras," he said. "The abuses we've seen in places like South Louisiana and Monroe have driven this effort, and I think most people are ready for change." 

While Seabaugh still hopes for a full ban eventually, he believes restricting cameras to school zones, with clear signage, is a strong step in the right direction.