By:  Barrientos, et al.                                           S.B. No. 193


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to vehicles passing certain stationary emergency vehicles 
on a highway; providing a penalty.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 545, Transportation Code, 
is amended by adding Section 545.157 to read as follows:
	Sec. 545.157.  PASSING AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE.  (a)  
On approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using 
visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 
547.702, an operator shall:
		(1)  if possible to do so safely under the traffic 
conditions, 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)  reduce speed and maintain a safe speed for road 
conditions if vacating a lane would be impossible or unsafe.
	(b)  A violation of this section is:                                    
		(1)  a misdemeanor punishable by fine under Section 
542.401;         
		(2)  a Class B misdemeanor if the violation results in 
property damage; or
		(3)  a Class A misdemeanor if the violation results in 
bodily injury.
	(c)  The penalties prescribed by Subsection (b) do not 
preclude the filing of more severe charges for the conduct under any 
other law.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.