Traffic violations when emergency or roadside response vehicles are present and providing a penalty. (FE)

What it does

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill increases the penalties for certain traffic violations that are committed within 500 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle giving a visible signal or a tow truck displaying flashing red lamps (emergency or roadside response area).

Under current law, the amount of any applicable minimum and maximum fine or forfeiture is doubled for specified traffic violations committed where persons working in a highway maintenance or construction area or utility area are at risk from traffic. These traffic violations include failing to follow certain traffic signs and signals, failing to follow certain orders of traffic officers, exceeding certain maximum speed limits, and driving recklessly. Under the bill, the minimum and maximum fine or forfeiture for these covered violations is also doubled when committed in an emergency or roadside response area. Also under the bill, if an operator commits one of the covered violations in a highway maintenance or construction area, utility work area, or emergency or roadside response area and the violation results in an injury to another, the operator may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than nine months, or both.

Who's behind it

33 lawmakers are its authors⁠. 22 are Republicans and 11 are Democrats.

9 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DOT

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories
• LC Amendment Memo