HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2030

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to the 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 an emergency vehicle.  (a)  On approaching a stationary emergency vehicle that is using visual signals and rendering assistance to another person or vehicle, including stalled vehicles or vehicles involved in a motor vehicle collision, 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-five 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 visual 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:

_____________________________

 

 



 


Report Title:

Emergency Vehicles; Traffic Safety; Passing

 

Description:

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

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.