A LAWYER is suing a US city after several drivers complained about receiving camera tickets even though they are illegal in the state.
The lawyer wants the city to improve the language of current legislation to protect drivers.
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David Futch, an attorney practicing in Pascagoula, Mississippi, filed a preliminary injunction against Moss Point.
He said nearly two dozen disgruntled drivers have come into his office after receiving a speeding ticket from a camera in the mail.
Futch said the state does not allow government agencies to use cameras or “automatic recording equipment” to enforce traffic laws, FOX, NBC and CW+ affiliates reported. WXXV-TV.
The state defines automatic recording equipment as:
“…A camera or optical device installed to operate in conjunction with a traffic control signal or radar speed detection equipment or both and designed to record images depicting the license plate attached to the rear of a motor vehicle.”
The city said the cameras were operated manually by a police officer, who issued the tickets after taking photos of the license plates.
The program was announced by city lawmakers in early July, but Futch says it follows code parameters.
“What we are going to do is try to get the judge to clarify the law whether or not an officer can handhold it or not rather than hold it in a static position,” Futch said.
Futch doesn’t plan to stop there, however.
He wants to see more changes from city lawmakers to protect drivers.
“And so, let’s ask the legislature to be more specific and close any loopholes that a city might find in order to start a new revenue stream or make it less labor intensive to enforce the law,” he continued.
This isn’t the first time Mississippi has made headlines over its use of cameras to cite drivers.
A program in February was announced to use cameras to target drivers without car insurance.
An uninsured driver would receive $315 in the mail if the system discovered the vehicle was uninsured.
What we’re going to do is try to get the judge to clarify the law as to whether or not a police officer can hold you with his hand instead of holding you in a static position.
Lawyer David Futch
However, Cliffton Reese received a ticket in the mail despite having insurance for his family’s car.
The camera was unable to detect that your car was insured in a different state.
“My insurance was not through the state of Mississippi because we recently obtained this vehicle,” he told the NBC affiliate. WLBT.
Even after proving to the authorities that the car was insured, the fee was waived, but the infraction still occurred.
“And when we submitted our proof online that we had insurance, they threw it out and told us we were still in violation because we didn’t have Mississippi insurance associated with the registered vehicle,” Reese said.
Proper Conduct During a Traffic Stop
According to the ACLU, there are some tips to ensure a smooth traffic stop, regardless of the violation.
- Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from traffic as quickly as possible.
- Turn off the engine, roll down the windows and place your hands on the steering wheel. If it’s dark outside, turn on your interior lights to give the officer a good view. If you are in the passenger seat, keep your hands visible.
- Take your purse or wallet, registration and proof of insurance only when instructed to do so by law enforcement officers. Do not reach the glove compartment until asked to do so by the officer.
- Don’t make sudden movements. Narrate everything you are doing, i.e. “I’m getting my bag from the backseat.”
- Keep your tone calm and respectful.
Source: ACLU
Reese discovered he wasn’t the only driver impacted by the cameras.
In fact, he realized that the cameras were indirectly targeting a vulnerable population.
“There were between 50 and 60 people in line yesterday and many of them were elderly,” he continued.
“And that’s when I felt like the system is so vulnerable because there are a lot of elderly people who can’t get out and challenge these things. admit guilt in something that could be an administrative matter.”
Some residents discussed suing the city, although nothing was done until July.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
