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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill amends the Traffic Code to clarify the law with regard to a turn signal and
10 objects that might obstruct a driver's view.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 ▸ amends the Traffic Code to:
14 • clarify that a driver is required to use a turn signal to merge to another lane from
15 a lane that is ending; and
16 • prohibits a driver from operating a vehicle when the driver's view is obstructed
17 by certain objects; and
18 ▸ makes technical changes.
19 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
20 None
21 Other Special Clauses:
22 None
23 Utah Code Sections Affected:
24 AMENDS:
25 41-6a-804, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2015, Chapter 412
26 41-6a-1635, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2015, Chapter 412
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28 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
29 Section 1. Section 41-6a-804 is amended to read:
30 41-6a-804. Turning or changing lanes -- Safety -- Signals -- Stopping or sudden
31 decrease in speed -- Signal flashing -- Where prohibited.
32 (1) (a) A person may not turn a vehicle, merge into a continuing lane from a lane of
33 travel that is ending, or otherwise move right or left on a roadway or change lanes until:
34 (i) the movement can be made with reasonable safety; and
35 (ii) an appropriate signal has been given as provided under this section.
36 (b) A signal of intention to turn right or left or to change lanes shall be given
37 continuously for at least the last two seconds preceding the beginning of the movement.
38 (2) A person may not stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first
39 giving an appropriate signal to the operator of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is
40 opportunity to give a signal.
41 (3) (a) A stop or turn signal when required shall be given either by the hand and arm or
42 by signal lamps.
43 (b) If hand and arm signals are used, a person operating a vehicle shall give the
44 required hand and arm signals from the left side of the vehicle as follows:
45 (i) left turn: hand and arm extended horizontally;
46 (ii) right turn: hand and arm extended upward; and
47 (iii) stop or decrease speed: hand and arm extended downward.
48 (c) (i) A person operating a bicycle or device propelled by human power may give the
49 required hand and arm signals for a right turn by extending the right hand and arm horizontally
50 to the right.
51 (ii) This Subsection (3)(c) is an exception to the provision of Subsection (3)(b)(ii).
52 (4) A person required to make a signal under this section may not flash a signal:
53 (a) on one side only on a disabled vehicle;
54 (b) as a courtesy or "do pass" to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear;
55 or
56 (c) on one side only of a parked vehicle.
57 (5) A violation of this section is an infraction.
58 Section 2. Section 41-6a-1635 is amended to read:
59 41-6a-1635. Windshields and windows -- Tinting -- Obstructions reducing
60 visibility -- Wipers -- Prohibitions.
61 (1) Except as provided in Subsections (2) [
62 motor vehicle with:
63 (a) a windshield that allows less than 70% light transmittance;
64 (b) a front side window that allows less than 43% light transmittance;
65 (c) any windshield or window that is composed of, covered by, or treated with any
66 material or component that presents a metallic or mirrored appearance; [
67 (d) any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material on the windshield or side
68 windows of the motor vehicle except:
69 (i) a certificate or other paper required to be so displayed by law; or
70 (ii) the vehicle's identification number displayed or etched in accordance with rules
71 made by the department under Section 41-6a-1601[
72 (e) any debris, frost, or other substance that materially obstructs the operator's view.
73 (2) (a) A person may not operate a motor vehicle with an object or device hanging or
74 mounted in a manner that materially obstructs the operator's view.
75 (b) A person shall ensure that an object or device hanging or mounted in compliance
76 with Subsection (2)(a) is used in accordance with this chapter.
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78 (a) along the top edge of the windshield if the materials do not extend downward more
79 than four inches from the top edge of the windshield or beyond the AS-1 line whichever is
80 lowest;
81 (b) in the lower left-hand corner of the windshield provided they do not extend more
82 than three inches to the right of the left edge or more than four inches above the bottom edge of
83 the windshield; or
84 (c) on the rear windows including rear side windows located behind the vehicle
85 operator.
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87 of Subsection (1) if the windshield or other window meets the federal statutes and regulations
88 for motor vehicle window composition, covering, light transmittance, and treatment.
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91 shall be equipped with rear-view mirrors mounted on the left side and on the right side of the
92 motor vehicle to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the motor vehicle.
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94 cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield.
95 (ii) The device shall be constructed to be operated by the operator of the motor vehicle.
96 (b) A windshield wiper on a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order.
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98 windshield or window in violation of this section.
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100 Safety Standards, including motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors, dealers, importers, and
101 repair businesses, shall comply with the federal standards on motor vehicle window tinting.
102 [