SB 509

Current law requires an operator of a vehicle to yield the right-of-way to

persons engaged in maintenance or construction work on a highway whenever the

operator is notified of their presence by flagmen or warning signs. Those who violate

this requirement may be required to forfeit not less than $60 nor more than $600.

This bill imposes liability on the owner of a vehicle that violates this

requirement under certain circumstances. The bill provides that a flagman who is

employed by a political subdivision and who observes a violation may report the

violation to a traffic officer in the jurisdiction where the violation occurred and the

traffic officer, subject to several exceptions, may issue a citation to the vehicle owner.

A vehicle owner found liable under the procedure created by the bill is subject to the

same penalty as is provided under current law for failure to yield the right-of-way

to persons in a work zone, not less than $60 nor more than $600.