SB 61 – Modifies provisions regulating the use of flashing lights by certain stationary vehicles on roads

• Sponsor: Hegeman
• LR Number: 0415S.02C
• Committee: Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety
• Last Action: 5/12/2017 - Informal Calendar S Bills for Perfection--SB 61-Hegeman, with SCS
• Title: SCS SB 61
• Effective Date: August 28, 2017

Current Bill Summary

SCS/SB 61 - This act adds stationary vehicles owned by the State Highways and Transportation Commission or by contractors or subcontractors that are performing work for the Department of Transportation that are displaying red and blue lights to the laws requiring motor vehicle operators to proceed with caution and yield the right of way or reduce speed upon approaching the lighted vehicle. Such vehicles may only use fixed, flashing, or rotating red or blue lights, rather than the current amber and white lights, while the vehicle is stationary in a work zone.

This act also provides that vehicles equipped with lights adjustable in intensity shall display the lights in a manner that provides adequate visibility during daylight and reduces glare at night.

This act is similar to provisions in CCS/SB 8, CCS/SB 222 (2017), CCS/SB 225 (2017), SB 187 (2017), HB 85 (2017), HB 110 (2017), HB 256 (2017), HCS/SB 676 (2016), CCS/HCS/SS/SB 732 (2016), SB 1071 (2016), HB 1449 (2016), and HB 1733 (2016), and HB 241 (2015).

ERIC VANDER WEERD