ST. PAUL – Due to a push from the Biden Administration to increase the use of speed cameras across the nation, State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) is sponsoring legislation that would prohibit the use of automated speed enforcement in the State of Minnesota.
“I strongly support law enforcement, and I fully believe that any misdemeanor should be issued by a law enforcement officer who personally witnessed the wrongdoing, not a piece of technology,” Davids said.
Davids’ bill states that a township, city, county, or state government may not use automated speed enforcement technology within their jurisdiction.
In 2007, the Minnesota Supreme Court unanimously struck down red-light camera usage in the state. But automated speed enforcement is now being encouraged under President Biden’s new infrastructure law. According to federal guidance issued last week, states are now able to use billions in federal highway funds provided in the Biden law for automated traffic enforcement programs.
Davids said Minnesota needs to hit the brakes on that idea.
“Local governments can best decide how to best improve road safety,” Davids said. “Minnesota doesn’t need President Biden or anyone else in the federal government telling us what do to.”
Davids noted that eight states already forbid the use of speed cameras.