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H.B. 235

             1     

EMERGENCY VEHICLE AMENDMENTS

             2     
2002 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Sponsor: Paul Ray

             5      This act modifies the Motor Vehicle Code to clarify the duties of drivers when approaching
             6      stationary emergency vehicles on highways.
             7      This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
             8      AMENDS:
             9          41-6-76, as last amended by Chapter 138, Laws of Utah 1987
             10      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             11          Section 1. Section 41-6-76 is amended to read:
             12           41-6-76. Approaching emergency vehicle -- Necessary signals -- Stationary
             13      emergency vehicle -- Duties of respective operators.
             14          (1) [Upon] Except when otherwise directed by a peace officer, the operator of a vehicle,
             15      upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle using audible or visual signals
             16      under Section 41-6-14 , 41-6-132 , or 41-6-146 or of a peace officer vehicle lawfully using an
             17      audible or visual signal, [the operator of every other vehicle] shall:
             18          (a) yield the right-of-way and immediately move to a position parallel to, and as close as
             19      possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection; and [shall]
             20          (b) then stop and remain there until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed[, except
             21      when otherwise directed by a peace officer].
             22          (2) The operator of a vehicle, upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle
             23      that is displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, or red and blue lights, shall:
             24          (a) reduce the speed of the vehicle;
             25          (b) provide as much space as practical to the stationary authorized emergency vehicle; and
             26          (c) if traveling in a lane adjacent to the stationary authorized emergency vehicle and if
             27      practical, with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, make a lane change into a lane not


             28      adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle.
             29          (3) The operator of a vehicle, upon approaching a stationary tow truck or highway
             30      maintenance vehicle that is displaying alternately flashing amber lights, shall:
             31          (a) reduce the speed of the vehicle; and
             32          (b) provide as much space as practical to the stationary tow truck or highway maintenance
             33      vehicle.
             34          [(2) ] (4) This section does not relieve the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle,
             35      tow truck, or highway maintenance vehicle from the duty to drive with regard for the safety of all
             36      persons using the highway.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 1-7-02 10:34 AM


A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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