BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3413

By: Flynn

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law requires a motor vehicle operator, on the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet specified requirements or of a police vehicle using only an audible signal, to yield the right-of-way. In such a situation, an operator is not required to yield the right-of-way to a police vehicle displaying only a visual signal. Interested parties assert that law enforcement officers should be allowed the discretion to use either audio or visual signals when operating under certain circumstances in order to require other drivers to yield the right-of-way. H.B. 3413 seeks to address this concern.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3413 amends the Transportation Code to require a motor vehicle operator to perform specified actions on the immediate approach of a police vehicle lawfully using either an audible or a visual signal, rather than only an audible signal.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.