SB 460

This bill increases the penalties for certain traffic violations that are committed

where workers are present in a railroad construction or maintenance area and are

at risk from traffic.

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, utility area, or emergency

or roadside response 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. In

addition, if 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. The bill

expands these provisions to apply to violations committed in a railroad construction

or maintenance area.

Current law prohibits inattentive driving of a motor vehicle in general and

specifically prohibits the use of a wireless telephone while driving a motor vehicle

where persons are engaged in work in a highway maintenance or construction area,

utility work area, or emergency or roadside response area. The bill expands this

prohibition to apply to railroad construction or maintenance areas where workers

are present.

Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime,

the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a

report.