State Representative Marvin Lim said on Apr. 6 that he supports the final passage of House Bill 1161 by the Georgia General Assembly, a measure designed to improve roadway safety and clarify enforcement standards for drivers, law enforcement, and pedestrians.
The legislation is significant because it aims to make roads safer through clearer laws and more consistent application, affecting various groups including motorists and local governments.
Lim said, “Road safety is our top transportation issue, and clarity and consistency in our laws of the road lead to safer, more equitable outcomes for all involved, including drivers, law enforcement and bystanders.” He also thanked Sgt. Michael Etheridge from the Gwinnett County Police Department for his expertise on traffic stop safety and said that without him “this bill would not have started.” Lim added he looks forward to seeing the legislation signed into law.
House Bill 1161 includes several measures: it requires drivers to move as far right as safely possible during traffic stops; sets an objective standard for sentencing under fleeing laws; updates rules for automated speed enforcement devices in school zones—mandating visible speed displays and yellow flashing lights when issuing citations; restricts permits for such devices on certain highways unless there is a history justifying their use; requires annual revenue reports from localities using these devices; and allows darker window tinting in line with neighboring Southern states.
The bill has been sent to the governor for consideration. The full text of HB 1161 is available online.
Burns, a Republican who was elected in 2005 to represent Georgia’s 159th House District after Ray Holland according to Ballotpedia, is among those serving in the state legislature.
