Torque Posted May 18, 2024 Posted May 18, 2024 Safe Traffic Optimization Plan Act (STOP Act) A bill to allow San Andreas Department of Transportation to optimize traffic lights. Introduced by Senator David Ochoa Plain English Summary Spoiler This law allows vehicle drivers to treat red lights like a stop sign, allowing them to proceed through a red light when there's no cross traffic and when it's safe to do so. SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Safe Traffic Optimization Plan Act" or the "STOP Act." SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (1) FINDINGS—This Legislature finds that— (a) traffic accidents due to failure to yield is a growing problem in San Andreas. (b) traffic lights within this State are unable to detect for approaching vehicles. (2) PURPOSE—It is the purpose of this Act— (a) to allow San Andreas Department of Transportation (SADOT) to establish a program to optimize traffic flow, to promote road safety. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act, the following definitions apply: (a) The term "cross traffic" means any vehicle, pedestrian, or bicycle approaching an intersection across from a driver's current position. (b) The term "designated exception" means a traffic light identified by the SADOT as not participating in the program established by this Act. These exceptions shall be clearly marked with signage. (c) The term "safe traffic optimization plan" means a program implemented by the SADOT that allows road users to proceed cautiously through a red light after coming to a complete stop, and ensuring there is no cross traffic present. This program shall apply to all traffic signals in this State, except for designated exceptions. SEC. 4. PILOT PROGRAM FOR SAFE TRAFFIC OPTIMIZATION. (1) The SADOT shall— (a) establish a pilot program to test the effectiveness of the STOP Act in preventing traffic accidents at all traffic lights, excluding designated exceptions. (b) have the authority to exclude specific traffic lights from the program due to safety concerns or any other factors. Any traffic lights excluded from the program shall be clearly marked. (c) be responsible for monitoring the program to ensure its success. (2) Road users may proceed through a red light after coming to a complete stop, and ensuring there is no cross traffic present, except when clearly marked otherwise. SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES. (a) A road user who fails to come to a complete stop at a red light, except when permitted by law, shall be subject to a fine under the San Andreas Penal Code (1)I. Reckless Driving. SEC. 6. REPORTING AND EVALUATION. (a) The SADOT shall submit a report to the Legislature within 5 years of the enactment of this Act with an evaluation of the program. (b) Such report shall include data on traffic accidents, driver compliance, and public feedback. (c) Based on the findings of such report, the Legislature may consider permanent authorization of the STOP Act program, with the continued ability for the SADOT to designate exceptions. SEC. 7. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Act is held to be invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. SEC. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE. The provisions made under this Act shall take effect one (1) day after the enactment of this Act. Signed, 1 1
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