S.B. 17

1

TRAFFIC CODE AMENDMENTS
2 2007 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Chief Sponsor: Scott K. Jenkins
5 House Sponsor: ____________
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill modifies the Motor Vehicles Code by amending traffic code provisions.
10 Highlighted Provisions:
11 This bill:
12 . provides that an unmarked vehicle may be used for routine enforcement of certain
13 violations;
14 . provides that an authorized emergency vehicle may violate certain provisions while
15 engaged in routine patrolling activities;
16 . repeals speeds in certain locations as lawful;
17 . requires the Department of Transportation to establish the safe and prudent speed
18 limit on each section of highway under its jurisdiction and requires that each speed
19 limit be based on a traffic and engineering study;
20 . changes the maximum posted speed limits;
21 . provides that an operator of a vehicle traveling in the left lane may not impede the
22 free flow of traffic and shall, upon being overtaken by a vehicle in the same lane,
23 yield to the vehicle;
24 . provides that if an operator is not following a vehicle in the left lane within a certain
25 distance, it is prima facie evidence that the operator is impeding the free flow of
26 traffic;
27 . provides that an operator of a vehicle shall follow another vehicle so that at least

28 two seconds elapse before reaching the location of the vehicle directly in front of the operator's
29 vehicle;
30 . provides that a signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously for
31 two rather than three seconds before making the indicated action;
32 . provides that an operator of a vehicle that observes another operator indicating the
33 operator's intention to turn shall adjust the vehicle as necessary to accommodate the
34 other operator's intended action;
35 . defines and prohibits careless driving; and
36 . makes technical changes.
37 Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
38 None
39 Other Special Clauses:
40 None
41 Utah Code Sections Affected:
42 AMENDS:
43 41-1a-407, as last amended by Chapter 2, Laws of Utah 2005
44 41-6a-212, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 2, Laws of Utah 2005
45 41-6a-601, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 2, Laws of Utah 2005
46 41-6a-602, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 2, Laws of Utah 2005
47 41-6a-704, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 2, Laws of Utah 2005
48 41-6a-711, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 2, Laws of Utah 2005
49 41-6a-804, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 2, Laws of Utah 2005
50 ENACTS:
51 41-6a-1715, Utah Code Annotated 1953
52
53 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
54 Section 1. Section 41-1a-407 is amended to read:
55 41-1a-407. Plates issued to political subdivisions or state -- Use of "EX" letters --
56 Confidential information.
57 (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), each municipality, board of education, school
58 district, state institution of learning, county, other governmental division, subdivision, or

59 district, and the state shall:
60 (a) place a license plate displaying the letters, "EX" on every vehicle owned and
61 operated by it or leased for its exclusive use; and
62 (b) display an identification mark designating the vehicle as the property of the entity
63 in a conspicuous place on both sides of the vehicle.
64 (2) The entity need not display the "EX" license plate or the identification mark
65 required by Subsection (1) if:
66 (a) the vehicle is in the direct service of the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney
67 general, state auditor, or state treasurer of Utah;
68 (b) the vehicle is used in official investigative work where secrecy is essential;
69 (c) the vehicle is used in an organized Utah Highway Patrol operation that is:
70 (i) conducted within a county of the first or second class as defined under Section
71 17-50-501 , unless no more than one unmarked vehicle is used for the operation;
72 (ii) approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety;
73 (iii) of a duration of 14 consecutive days or less; and
74 (iv) targeted toward careless driving, aggressive driving, and accidents involving:
75 (A) violations of Title 41, Chapter 6a, Part 5, Driving Under the Influence and
76 Reckless Driving;
77 (B) speeding violations for exceeding the posted speed limit by 21 or more miles per
78 hour;
79 (C) speeding violations in a reduced speed school zone under Section 41-6a-604 ;
80 (D) violations of Section 41-6a-1002 related to pedestrian crosswalks; or
81 (E) violations of Section 41-6a-702 related to lane restrictions;
82 (d) the vehicle is provided to an official of the entity as part of a compensation package
83 allowing unlimited personal use of that vehicle; [or]
84 (e) the personal security of the occupants of the vehicle would be jeopardized if the
85 "EX" license plate were in place[.]; or
86 (f) the vehicle is used in routine enforcement on a state highway with four or more
87 lanes involving:
88 (i) violations of Section 41-6a-701 related to operating a vehicle on the right side of a
89 roadway;

90 (ii) violations of Section 41-6a-702 related to left lane restrictions;
91 (iii) violations of Section 41-6a-704 related to overtaking and passing vehicles
92 proceeding in the same direction;
93 (iv) violations of Section 41-6a-711 related to following a vehicle at a safe distance;
94 and
95 (v) violations of Section 41-6a-804 related to turning and changing lanes.
96 (3) Plates issued to Utah Highway Patrol vehicles may bear the capital letters "UHP," a
97 beehive logo, and the call number of the trooper to whom the vehicle is issued.
98 (4) (a) The commission shall issue "EX" and "UHP" plates.
99 (b) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
100 commission shall make rules establishing the procedure for application for and distribution of
101 the plates.
102 (5) For a vehicle that qualifies for "EX" or "UHP" license plates, the entity is not
103 required to display an annual registration decal.
104 (6) (a) Information shall be confidential for vehicles that are not required to display the
105 "EX" license plate or the identification mark under Subsections (2)(a), (b), (d), and (e).
106 (b) (i) If a law enforcement officer's identity must be kept secret, his agency head may
107 request in writing that the division remove the license plate information of the officer's
108 personal vehicles from all public access files and place it in a confidential file until the
109 assignment is completed.
110 (ii) The agency head shall notify the division when the assignment is completed.
111 (7) A peace officer engaged in an organized operation under Subsection (2)(c) shall be
112 in a uniform clearly identifying the law enforcement agency the peace officer is representing
113 during the operation.
114 Section 2. Section 41-6a-212 is amended to read:
115 41-6a-212. Emergency vehicles -- Policy regarding vehicle pursuits --
116 Applicability of traffic law to highway work vehicles -- Exemptions.
117 (1) Subject to Subsections (2) through (5), the operator of an authorized emergency
118 vehicle may exercise the privileges granted under this section when:
119 (a) responding to an emergency call;
120 (b) in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law; or

121 (c) responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm.
122 (2) The operator of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
123 (a) park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;
124 (b) proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may
125 be necessary for safe operation;
126 (c) exceed the maximum speed limits, unless prohibited by a local highway authority
127 under Section 41-6a-208 ; or
128 (d) disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified
129 directions.
130 (3) (a) [Privileges] Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), privileges granted under
131 this section to the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle, who is not involved in a
132 vehicle pursuit, apply only when:
133 [(a)] (i) the operator of the vehicle sounds an audible signal under Section 41-6a-1625 ;
134 or
135 [(b)] (ii) uses a visual signal with emergency lights in accordance with rules made
136 under Section 41-6a-1601 , which is visible from in front of the vehicle.
137 (b) An operator of an authorized emergency vehicle may exceed the maximum speed
138 limit when engaged in normal patrolling activities with the purpose of identifying and
139 apprehending violators.
140 (4) Privileges granted under this section to the operator of an authorized emergency
141 vehicle involved in any vehicle pursuit apply only when:
142 (a) the operator of the vehicle:
143 (i) sounds an audible signal under Section 41-6a-1625 ; and
144 (ii) uses a visual signal with emergency lights in accordance with rules made under
145 Section 41-6a-1601 , which is visible from in front of the vehicle;
146 (b) the public agency employing the operator of the vehicle has, in effect, a written
147 policy which describes the manner and circumstances in which any vehicle pursuit should be
148 conducted and terminated;
149 (c) the operator of the vehicle has been trained in accordance with the written policy
150 described in Subsection (4)(b); and
151 (d) the pursuit policy of the public agency is in conformance with standards established

152 under Subsection (5).
153 (5) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
154 Department of Public Safety shall make rules providing minimum standards for all emergency
155 pursuit policies that are adopted by public agencies authorized to operate emergency pursuit
156 vehicles.
157 (6) The privileges granted under this section do not relieve the operator of an
158 authorized emergency vehicle of the duty to act as a reasonably prudent emergency vehicle
159 operator in like circumstances.
160 (7) Except for Sections 41-6a-210 , 41-6a-502 , and 41-6a-528 , this chapter does not
161 apply to persons, motor vehicles, and other equipment while actually engaged in work on the
162 surface of a highway.
163 Section 3. Section 41-6a-601 is amended to read:
164 41-6a-601. Speed regulations -- Safe and appropriate speeds at certain locations
165 -- Prima facie speed limits -- Emergency power of the governor.
166 (1) A person may not operate a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and
167 prudent under the existing conditions, giving regard to the actual and potential hazards then
168 existing, including when:
169 (a) approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing;
170 (b) approaching and going around a curve;
171 (c) approaching a hill crest;
172 (d) traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway; and
173 (e) approaching other hazards that exist due to pedestrians, other traffic, weather, or
174 highway conditions.
175 (2) Subject to Subsections (1) and (4) and Sections 41-6a-602 and 41-6a-603 , [the
176 following speeds are lawful: (a)] 20 miles per hour in a reduced speed school zone as defined
177 in Section 41-6a-303 [;] is a lawful speed.
178 [(b) 25 miles per hour in any urban district; and]
179 [(c) 55 miles per hour in other locations.]
180 (3) Except as provided in Section 41-6a-604 , any speed in excess of the limits provided
181 in this section or established under Sections 41-6a-602 and 41-6a-603 is prima facie evidence
182 that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful.

183 (4) The governor by proclamation in time of war or emergency may change the speed
184 limits on the highways of the state.
185 Section 4. Section 41-6a-602 is amended to read:
186 41-6a-602. Speed limits established on state highways.
187 (1) (a) The Department of Transportation [may] shall determine the reasonable and
188 safe speed limit for each highway or section of highway under its jurisdiction.
189 (b) [Each] For each highway or section of highway, each speed limit shall be based on
190 a traffic engineering and safety [studies for each highway or section of the highway.] study
191 consistent with the requirements and recommendations in the most current version of the
192 "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices."
193 (c) The traffic engineering and safety studies shall include:
194 (i) the design speed;
195 (ii) prevailing vehicle speeds;
196 (iii) accident history;
197 (iv) highway, traffic, and roadside conditions; and
198 (v) other highway safety factors.
199 (2) In addition to the provisions of Subsection (1), the Department of Transportation
200 may establish different speed limits on a highway or section of highway based on:
201 (a) time of day;
202 (b) highway construction;
203 (c) type of vehicle;
204 (d) weather conditions; and
205 (e) other highway safety factors.
206 (3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a posted speed limit may not exceed
207 [65] 70 miles per hour.
208 (b) A posted speed limit on a freeway or other limited access highways may not exceed
209 [75] 80 miles per hour.
210 (c) This Subsection (3) is an exception to the provisions of Subsections (1) and (2).
211 (4) When establishing or changing a speed limit, the Department of Transportation
212 shall consult with the following entities prior to erecting or changing a speed limit sign:
213 (a) the county for state highways in an unincorporated area of the county;

214 (b) the municipality for state highways within the municipality's incorporated area;
215 (c) the Department of Public Safety; and
216 (d) the Transportation Commission.
217 (5) The speed limit is effective when appropriate signs giving notice are erected along
218 the highway or section of the highway.
219 Section 5. Section 41-6a-704 is amended to read:
220 41-6a-704. Overtaking and passing vehicles proceeding in same direction.
221 (1) On any highway:
222 (a) the operator of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same
223 direction:
224 (i) shall, except as provided under Section 41-6a-705 , promptly pass the overtaken
225 vehicle on the left at a safe distance; and
226 (ii) [may not drive to the right side of the roadway until] enter a right-hand lane or the
227 right side of the roadway only when safely clear of the overtaken vehicle;
228 (b) the operator of an overtaken vehicle:
229 (i) shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle; and
230 (ii) may not increase the speed of the vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking
231 vehicle.
232 (2) On a highway having more than one lane in the same direction, the operator of a
233 vehicle traveling in the left general purpose lane:
234 (a) shall, upon being overtaken by another vehicle in the same lane, yield to the
235 overtaking vehicle by moving safely to a lane to the right; and
236 (b) may not impede the movement or free flow of traffic in the left general purpose
237 lane.
238 (3) An operator of a vehicle following a vehicle in the left general purpose lane at a
239 distance so that more than two seconds elapse before reaching the location of the vehicle
240 directly in front of the operator's vehicle when space is available for the operator to travel in a
241 right-hand lane is prima facie evidence that the operator is violating Subsection (2).
242 [(3)] (4) The provisions of Subsection (2) do not apply to an operator of a vehicle
243 traveling in the left general purpose lane when:
244 (a) overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction in

245 accordance with Subsection (1)(a);
246 (b) preparing to turn left or taking a different highway or an exit on the left;
247 (c) responding to emergency conditions;
248 (d) avoiding actual or potential traffic moving onto the highway from an acceleration
249 or merging lane; or
250 (e) following the direction of a traffic-control device that directs the use of a designated
251 lane.
252 Section 6. Section 41-6a-711 is amended to read:
253 41-6a-711. Following another vehicle -- Safe distance -- Exceptions.
254 (1) The operator of a vehicle:
255 (a) may not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having
256 regard for the:
257 (i) speed of the vehicles;
258 (ii) traffic upon the highway; and
259 (iii) condition of the highway; and
260 (b) shall [allow sufficient space in front of the vehicle to enable any other vehicle to
261 enter and occupy the space] follow at a distance so that at least two seconds elapse before
262 reaching the location of the vehicle directly in front of the operator's vehicle.
263 (2) Subsection (1)(b) does not apply to funeral processions or to congested traffic
264 conditions resulting in prevailing vehicle speeds of less than 35 miles per hour.
265 Section 7. Section 41-6a-804 is amended to read:
266 41-6a-804. Turning or changing lanes -- Safety -- Signals -- Stopping or sudden
267 decrease in speed -- Signal flashing -- Where prohibited.
268 (1) (a) A person may not turn a vehicle or move right or left on a roadway or change
269 lanes until:
270 (i) the movement can be made with reasonable safety; and
271 (ii) an appropriate signal has been given as provided under this section.
272 (b) A signal of intention to turn right or left or to change lanes shall be given
273 continuously for at least the last [three] two seconds preceding the beginning of the movement.
274 (2) A person may not stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first
275 giving an appropriate signal to the operator of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is

276 opportunity to give a signal.
277 (3) (a) A stop or turn signal when required shall be given either by the hand and arm or
278 by signal lamps.
279 (b) If hand and arm signals are used, a person operating a vehicle shall give the
280 required hand and arm signals from the left side of the vehicle as follows:
281 (i) Left turn: hand and arm extended horizontally;
282 (ii) Right turn: hand and arm extended upward; and
283 (iii) Stop or decrease speed: hand and arm extended downward.
284 (c) (i) A person operating a bicycle or device propelled by human power may give the
285 required hand and arm signals for a right turn by extending the right hand and arm horizontally
286 to the right.
287 (ii) This Subsection (3)(c) is an exception to the provision of Subsection (3)(b)(ii).
288 (4) A person required to make a signal under this section may not flash a signal:
289 (a) on one side only on a disabled vehicle;
290 (b) as a courtesy or "do pass" to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear;
291 or
292 (c) on one side only of a parked vehicle.
293 (5) An operator of a vehicle that observes a proper signal under Subsection (1), (2), or
294 (3) by another operator of a vehicle shall adjust the vehicle's movement as necessary to
295 accommodate the other operator's indicated action.
296 Section 8. Section 41-6a-1715 is enacted to read:
297 41-6a-1715. Careless driving defined and prohibited.
298 A person operating a motor vehicle is guilty of careless driving if the person:
299 (1) commits two or more moving traffic violations under Title 41, Chapter 6a, Traffic
300 Code, in a series of acts within a single continuous period of driving: or
301 (2) commits a moving traffic violation under Title 41, Chapter 6a, Traffic Code, while
302 being distracted by one or more activities not related to the operation of a motor vehicle,
303 including:
304 (a) using a wireless telephone or other electronic device;
305 (b) eating, drinking, or smoking;
306 (c) physically attending to a passenger;

307 (d) searching for an item in the vehicle; or
308 (e) attending to personal hygiene or grooming.




Legislative Review Note
as of 11-15-06 2:32 PM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel

Interim Committee Note
as of 12-19-06 8:37 AM

The Transportation Interim Committee recommended this bill.