Notice of Proposed Rule

DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES
Division of Florida Highway Patrol
RULE NO: RULE TITLE
15B-2.016: Tests to Determine Accuracy of Laser Speed Measuring Devices
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule action is to amend the current rule to reflect the revision of form DHSMV 61071 – Laser Speed Measuring Device Certification – to include the testing of intermittent laser pulses. Since the form and revision date are specifically referenced in paragraph 15B-2.016(2)(d), Florida Administrative Code, a revision to the form will also require a revision to this section of the Florida Administrative Code.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule action revises the current rule changing form DHSMV 61071 – Laser Speed Measuring Device Certification – to include the testing of intermittent laser pulses. Since the form and revision date are specifically referenced in paragraph 15B-2.016(2)(d), Florida Administrative Code, a revision to the form will also require a revision to this section of the Florida Administrative Code.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 316.1905 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 316.1905, 316.1906 FS.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE,TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW(IF NOT REQUESTED, THIS HEARING WILL NOT BE HELD):
DATE AND TIME: November 3, 2008, 9:00 a.m.
PLACE: Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Room A436, Tallahassee, Florida 32399
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Lieutenant Ronald W. Castleberry, Equipment, Compliance and Testing – Florida Highway Patrol, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Room #A315, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, (850)617-2939

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

15B-2.016 Tests to Determine Accuracy of Laser Speed Measuring Devices.

(1) All LSMD used in this state shall be subject to periodic tests at intervals not to exceed six (6) months, to be conducted by a Florida registered professional engineer or by an electronic Technician who has a Federal Communication Commission, General Radiotelephone Operator License, or a certification issued by one of the following:

(a) Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO);

(b) Personal Communications Industries Association (PCIA), formerly known as National Association of Business and Education Radio (NABER); or

(c) National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers (NARTE).

(2) Only the most recent six (6) month test certificate is required in order to establish the presumption available under Section 316.1905(3)(b), F.S. Tests will include:

(a) Bench Tests – Wavelength verification, optical power output, pulse repetition rate, pulse width, and verify that the pulse train is free of any double laser pulses or intermittent laser pulses. The results of these tests shall conform with the safety report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), Food and Drug Administration (21 C.F.R. part 1040), which is incorporated by reference, and the manufacturer’s specifications, both of which will be supplied by the manufacturer.

(b) Distance/Velocity – A complete verification test as described in paragraphs 15B-2.015(1)(a) through (c), F.A.C., and a Velocity Verification test certifying that the Laser Speed Output was compared to Actual Speed as verified by a certified radar device. The results of these tests will not be greater than plus or minus one (1) foot for the distance tests, and plus or minus one (1) mph for the speed test.

 (c) Sight Alignment/Beam Pattern Test. The sighting device will be checked for accuracy to determine that it remains within the laser beam at all distances from 500-3000 feet. This may be determined from calculation based on an initial beam pattern/sight alignment analysis. The beam will be analyzed to determine that it is within the pattern/size tolerances specified by the manufacturer.

(d) Each test shall be recorded on form HSMV 61071( _) (3/04) which is incorporated by reference. Blank forms are available by contacting the Department at the address described in subsection 15B-2.0082(1), F.A.C.

(e) When an Average Speed Calculator (ASC) is installed and used as a separate feature of an LSMD, the ASC feature must be certified separately and in addition to the LSMD under paragraph 15B-2.008(2)(d), F.A.C.

Specific Authority 316.1905 FS. Law Implemented 316.1905, 316.1906 FS. History–New 10-18-94, Amended 5-23-04,________.


NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Lieutenant Ronald W. Castleberry, Equipment, Compliance and Testing – Florida Highway Patrol, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Governor and Cabinet
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: September 30, 2008
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: August 8, 2008