JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A new Missouri bill could shake up traffic enforcement across the state, calling for a ban on red light cameras and license plate readers.

Missouri State Sen. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) introduced Senate Bill 540 for the ongoing legislative session, which aims to prohibit the use of “automated” red light enforcement systems and license plate readers.

If approved, the bill would amend two Missouri state statutes to clarify the definitions of red light and license plate enforcement systems while restricting how and where they can be used.

According to the bill’s language, “No county, city, town, village, municipality, state agency, or other political subdivision of this state” would be authorized to use red light or license plate reader enforcement systems. Additionally, the bill seeks to limit “access [to] plate data captured from vehicles on a public highway.”

Supporters may feel the bill protects privacy rights and prevents government overreach, while opponents may feel it could weaken traffic enforcement and public safety.

The bill could have a significant impact on the St. Louis region if it gains momentum. Local leaders have been advocating for the return of red light cameras on city streets after they were decommissioned in 2015, an effort to hold drivers accountable for traffic violations. Additionally, license plate readers have played a key role in solving felony cases and finding missing people in the region over the last several years.

The bill has had one reading on the Senate floor but has not advanced otherwise as of early-February, according to the Senate’s online bill tracker.

NOTE: Video is from FOX 2’s report of momentum toward red light cameras in St. Louis in June 2024.