SB 653

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 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. Currently, “highway maintenance or construction

area" is defined as the section of highway between the first highway maintenance or

construction warning sign and either 1) a sign indicating the end of the maintenance

or construction work; or 2) in the case of a moving vehicle engaged in the

maintenance or construction work, the section of roadway where traffic may return

to normal flow without impeding the maintenance or construction work.

Under this bill, “highway maintenance or construction area” is defined to

include the roadway adjacent to which roadside cleanup or maintenance work is

being performed. In the case of highway cleanup work or roadside cleanup or

maintenance work, including the collection of litter, the highway construction or

maintenance area extends from the first advance warning sign to the furthest

location at which cleanup or maintenance workers are working.