SB 720

This bill expands the list of traffic violations for which the Department of

Transportation (DOT) must suspend a violator's operating privilege and require

attendance at a vehicle right-of-way course, and increases the penalties for certain

offenses.

Under current law, operators of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions are

required to pass each other to the right. Also under current law, the operator of a

vehicle may not back the vehicle unless the movement can be made with reasonable

safety.

Under current law, the operator of a vehicle approaching an intersection or

crosswalk where traffic is controlled by traffic control signals or by a traffic officer

is required to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian, or to a person riding a bicycle

or electric personal assistive mobility device in a manner consistent with the safe use

of the crosswalk or intersection.

Under current law, the operator of a vehicle turning at an intersection is

required to follow the course marked for the turn by markers, buttons, or signs. If

no course is marked, the operator is required to turn from the lane nearest the

direction of the turn. The operator of a vehicle on an alley is required to stop the

vehicle immediately before crossing or entering an intersecting alley or highway and

before crossing an intersecting sidewalk.

Under current law, the operator of a vehicle approaching an official stop sign

at an intersection is required to stop the vehicle before entering the intersection and

yield the right-of-way to other vehicles in the intersection or approaching the

intersection on a highway that is not controlled by a stop sign or traffic signal. The

operator of a vehicle approaching a stop sign erected mid-block is required to stop

the vehicle not less than ten nor more than 30 feet from the sign. Vehicular traffic

facing a flashing red traffic control signal must stop before entering the intersection

and must proceed in the manner required for a stop sign.

Under current law, vehicular traffic facing a green traffic control signal may

proceed through an intersection. Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal may

enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow, but must yield

the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians lawfully within the intersection.

Vehicular traffic facing a red traffic control signal must stop before entering the

intersection, but may make a right turn after stopping unless a sign at the

intersection prohibits a turn. Regardless of the traffic control signal, a vehicle

operator proceeding through an intersection is required to yield the right-of-way to

other vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, or electric personal assistive mobility devices

lawfully within the intersection or adjacent crosswalks.

A person who violates any of these requirements is subject to a forfeiture of not

less than $20 nor more than $40 for the first offense and not less than $50 nor more

than $100 for the 2nd or subsequent conviction within a year.