New Texas law bans red-light cameras statewide

According to KSAT, Abbott, a Republican, tweeted Saturday that he has signed House Bill 1631, which forbids "the use of photographic traffic enforcement systems" statewide. The law, which cleared the state Senate 23-9 last month, takes effect in September, KTRK reported.

"There's a lot of reasons we want to get rid of red-light cameras," the bill's author, Republican state Rep. Jonathan Stickland, told KTBC. "No. 1, privacy concerns. We think that the right to due process matters. You have the right to face your accuser in court."

Although red-light camera supporters say the devices promote safe driving and increase revenue, opponents argue that the cameras could cause more rear-end collisions, Community Impact reported.

>> On Texas.gov: Read the full text of the bill

Under the new law, cities can no longer issue tickets or charges "for an offense or violation based on a recorded image produced by a photographic traffic signal enforcement system."

But in some cities, red-light cameras will stay put for a while longer. The law allows municipalities that are currently in "a contract for the administration and enforcement of" a red-light camera system to keep using the devices until the contract ends.