Bill Text: HI SB545 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Emergency Vehicle; Move Over

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2009-05-11 - Carried over to 2010 Regular Session. [SB545 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2010-SB545-Introduced.html

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Report Title:

Emergency Vehicle; Move Over

 

 

Description:

Requires motorists to "move over" when passing a stationary emergency vehicle on a highway.

 

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	545
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO STATEWIDE TRAFFIC CODE.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-    Passing emergency vehicle.  (a)  On approaching a stationary emergency vehicle that is using visual signals and rendering assistance to another vehicle or person, a driver who is passing the emergency vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer or person of authority, shall:

(1)  Vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle when driving on a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle; or

     (2)  Slow to a speed not to exceed:

(A)  Twenty miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is twenty miles per hour or more; or

(B)  Five miles per hour when the posted speed limit is less than twenty five miles per hour.

     (b)  A violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable under section 706-640.  If conduct constituting a violation of this section also constitutes a violation of another provision of law, including the penal code, the driver may be prosecuted under either or both laws.

     (c)  For the purposes of this section,

"Emergency vehicle" means a police or fire department vehicle, ambulance, or any other vehicle rendering assistance to another vehicle or person, including a tow truck.

"Visual signals" means flashing vehicle emergency lights or any other reasonable means of warning passing vehicles."

     SECTION 2.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________