78R338 MTB-F

By:  Jackson                                                      S.B. No. 214



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to vehicles passing certain stationary emergency vehicles 
on a highway.
	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.  On 
approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using visual 
signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702, 
an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall:
		(1)  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)  slow to a speed not to exceed:                                    
			(A)  20 miles per hour less than the posted speed 
limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or more; or
			(B)  five miles per hour when the posted speed 
limit is less than 25 miles per hour.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.