H.B. 317

1

TRAFFIC SAFETY AMENDMENTS
2 2012 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Chief Sponsor: Don L. Ipson
5 Senate Sponsor: John L. Valentine
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill modifies the Traffic Code.
10 Highlighted Provisions:
11 This bill:
12 . clarifies that a person who fails to meet certain requirements when approaching an
13 emergency vehicle shall attend an approved four hour live classroom defensive
14 driving course;
15 . provides that a person who fails to attend a classroom course within 90 days of
16 sentencing for or pleading guilty to certain violations, shall have the person's driver
17 license suspended for a period of 90 days;
18 . provides that the division shall shorten the 90-day suspension period effective
19 immediately upon receiving a certificate of attendance of the required classroom
20 course if the certificate of attendance is received prior to completion of the
21 suspension period;
22 . provides that a person whose license is suspended is required to pay certain license
23 reinstatement fees, even if the suspension is shortened;
24 . provides rulemaking authority for the Driver License Division; and
25 . makes conforming changes.
26 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
27 None

28 Other Special Clauses:
29 None
30 Utah Code Sections Affected:
31 AMENDS:
32 41-6a-904, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 183
33
34 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
35 Section 1. Section 41-6a-904 is amended to read:
36 41-6a-904. Approaching emergency vehicle -- Necessary signals -- Stationary
37 emergency vehicle -- Duties of respective operators.
38 (1) Except when otherwise directed by a peace officer, the operator of a vehicle, upon
39 the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle using audible or visual signals
40 under Section 41-6a-212 or 41-6a-1625 , shall:
41 (a) yield the right-of-way and immediately move to a position parallel to, and as close
42 as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection; and
43 (b) then stop and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.
44 (2) The operator of a vehicle, upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency
45 vehicle that is displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, or red and blue lights, shall:
46 (a) reduce the speed of the vehicle;
47 (b) provide as much space as practical to the stationary authorized emergency vehicle;
48 and
49 (c) if traveling in a lane adjacent to the stationary authorized emergency vehicle and if
50 practical, with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, make a lane change into a lane not
51 adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle.
52 (3) The operator of a vehicle, upon approaching a stationary tow truck or highway
53 maintenance vehicle that is displaying flashing amber lights, shall:
54 (a) reduce the speed of the vehicle; and
55 (b) provide as much space as practical to the stationary tow truck or highway
56 maintenance vehicle.
57 (4) This section does not relieve the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle, tow
58 truck, or highway maintenance vehicle from the duty to drive with regard for the safety of all

59 persons using the highway.
60 (5) (a) (i) In addition to the penalties prescribed under Section 41-6a-202 , [an
61 individual in violation of] a person who violates this section shall attend a four hour live
62 classroom defensive driving course [on driving safety offered by an entity affiliated with the
63 National Safety Council or] approved by the:
64 (A) Driver License Division; or
65 (B) a court [approved traffic school program on defensive driving] in this state.
66 (ii) Upon completion of the four hour live classroom course under Subsection (5)(a)(i),
67 the person shall provide to the Driver License Division a certificate of attendance of the
68 classroom course.
69 (b) [An individual who fails to provide to the Driver License Division a certificate of
70 attendance of the classroom course required under Subsection (5)(a), within 60 days of
71 sentencing or of pleading guilty, shall have the individual's driver license suspended] The
72 Driver License Division shall suspend a person's driver license for a period of 90 days[.] if the
73 person:
74 (i) violates a provision of Subsections (1) through (3); and
75 (ii) fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (5)(a)(i) within 90 days of sentencing
76 for or pleading guilty to a violation of this section.
77 (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection (5)(b), the Driver License Division
78 shall shorten the 90-day suspension period imposed under Subsection (5)(b) effective
79 immediately upon receiving a certificate of attendance of the four hour live classroom course
80 required under Subsection (5)(a)(i) if the certificate of attendance is received prior to
81 completion of the suspension period.
82 (d) A person whose license is suspended under Subsection (5)(b) is required to pay the
83 license reinstatement fees under Subsection 53-3-105 (23), including a person whose
84 suspension is shortened as described under Subsection (5)(c).
85 (6) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
86 Driver License Division shall make rules to implement the provisions of this part.

Legislative Review Note
as of 1-31-12 1:43 PM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel