Opinion ID: 1979104
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Automated Traffic Enforcement System (ATE System)

Text: There is no dispute between the parties that, in all ways relevant to this litigation, moving violations resulting from use of the ATE System are subject to the statutory scheme as set out above. [2] D.C.Code § 50-2209.01 expressly authorizes use of the ATE System and establishes the weight given to evidence obtained through it: (a) The Mayor is authorized to use an automated traffic enforcement system to detect moving infractions. Violations detected by an automated traffic enforcement system shall constitute moving violations. Proof of an infraction may be evidenced by information obtained through the use of an automated traffic enforcement system. For the purposes of this subchapter, the term automated traffic enforcement system means equipment that takes a film or digital camera-based photograph which is linked with a violation detection system that synchronizes the taking of a photograph with the occurrence of a traffic infraction. (b) Recorded images taken by an automated traffic enforcement system are prima facie evidence of an infraction and may be submitted without authentication. Id. Section 50-2209.02 describes liability, limitation of liability, and due process rights afforded to those vehicle owners who have been charged with a moving violation on the basis of ATE System evidence: (a) The owner of a vehicle issued a notice of infraction shall be liable for payment of the fine assessed for the infraction, unless the owner can furnish evidence that the vehicle was, at the time of the infraction, in the custody, care, or control of another person. In the event that the registered owner claims that the vehicle was in the custody, care, or control of another person, the registered owner of the vehicle shall provide evidence in a sworn affidavit, under penalty of perjury, setting forth the name, drivers license number, and address of the person who leased, rented, or otherwise had care, custody, or control of the vehicle. . . . (b) When a violation is detected by an automated traffic enforcement system, the Mayor shall mail a summons and a notice of infraction to the name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle on file with the Bureau of Motor Vehicle Services or the appropriate state motor vehicle agency. The notice shall include the date, time, and location of the violation, the type of violation detected, the license plate number, and state of issuance of the vehicle detected, and a copy of the photo or digitized image of the violation. (c) An owner or operator who receives a citation may request a hearing which shall be adjudicated pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 23 of this title. (d) The owner or operator of a vehicle shall not be presumed liable for violations in the vehicle recorded by an automated traffic enforcement system when yielding the right of way to an emergency vehicle, when the vehicle or tags have been reported stolen prior to the citation, when part of a funeral procession, or at the direction of a law enforcement officer. Id. Finally, D.C.Code § 50-2209.03 permits the District to engage a private contractor to handle ministerial functions of operating the ATE System: The Mayor may enter an agreement with a private entity to obtain relevant records regarding registration information or to perform tasks associated with the use of an automated traffic enforcement system, including, but not limited to, the operation, maintenance, administration or mailing of notices of violations. Id.
Once the ATE System receives information that a vehicle has violated either District speeding or red-yellow light laws, a ticket is issued to the vehicle's owner, complete with the statutorily-required information. See D.C.Code § 50-2209.02(b); 18 DCMR § 3000.1. The boilerplate language on the front of the ticket is as follows: Your vehicle was photographed violating District of Columbia Traffic Regulations on the date and time listed below. Under District law, the registered owner of a vehicle is liable for payment of the fine for violations recorded using an automated traffic enforcement system, unless the vehicle was not in the custody of the owner at the time of the infraction. POINTS WILL NOT BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE REGISTERED OWNER OR THE DESIGNATED DRIVER FOR THIS VIOLATION. On the back of this notice you will find detailed information regarding payment, ticket adjudication, and assignment of responsibility. . . . . Your answer to this notice of infraction must be submitted by the payment due date listed below. Failure to pay the fine or otherwise answer in the manner and time required is an admission of liability. This will result in additional penalties and the loss of your right to a hearing. In addition, your driving privileges may be suspended and your home state may place a hold on the renewal of your vehicle registration. For vehicles registered in the District of Columbia, the District Department of Motor Vehicles will place a hold on the renewal of the vehicle registration as long as the fine and penalty are unpaid. The back of the District's ticket explains how the automated system works, and provides an answer form. The owner is offered two basic alternatives: to admit or deny the infraction. If the owner denies the infraction, s/he may either request (1) a hearing, (2) mail adjudication, or (3) outright dismissal of the ticket, on the basis of the vehicle having been stolen prior to the issuance of the citation, or that the vehicle was not in my custody, care, or control at the time of the infraction. If the owner wishes to claim that s/he was not the driver, s/he must complete the very bottom portion of the ticket, submitting a notarized certification with the name and address of the actual driver. If the registered owner fails to respond to the ticket within thirty days of its issuance, the District sends a Notice of Deemed Admission. This notice states: Your vehicle was photographed violating District of Columbia Traffic Regulations on the date and time listed above. Under District law, the registered owner of a vehicle is liable for payment of the fine assessed for violations recorded using an automated traffic enforcement system. This includes rental, leased, and fleet vehicles. As the registered owner of the vehicle with the tag listed above, you were mailed a notice of infraction for this offense. Our records show that you failed to answer the initial Notice of Infraction for this violation within 30 calendar days from issuance as required by law. Under District law, you are deemed to have admitted this violation. Therefore, a penalty equal to the original fine was added to the total amount due. You may not request a hearing on this infraction. You must pay this fine and penalty within ten days or your home state Department of Motor Vehicles will be notified of your failure to answer this violation. Your state may also place a registration hold on your vehicle registration.