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The provision of public safety is a primary responsibility of our government. Each legislative session, many bills are passed aimed at protecting the lives of Texans. A number of new traffic laws were passed during the recent legislative session of which Texas drivers should be aware.
However, first I would like to clarify a rumor which has spread throughout the state regarding HB 281. An erroneous e-mail has circulated claiming that HB 281, which would have outlawed talking on a cell phone while driving—or without using a hands-free device—had passed and was to take effect September 1. The bill did not pass and did not take effect. I have received a number of phone calls inquiring about this rumor. OK, onto bills that actually did pass.
SB 193 requires drivers nearing a stopped emergency vehicle that has its lights activated to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle if the highway has two or more lanes traveling the direction of the emergency vehicle. If the road does not have multiple lanes in the same direction, drivers are required to slow to a speed of not more than 5 miles per hour if the posted speed limit is less than 25 mph. If the posted speed limit is 25 mph or more, drivers are required to slow to a speed that is 20 mph slower than the posted speed limit. For example, if the posted speed limit is 35 mph, a driver would have to slow to 15 mph to pass the emergency vehicle.
A violation is punishable by a maximum fine of $200. If the violation results in property damage, the maximum fine increases to $500. If the violation results in bodily injury, the offense is enhanced to a Class B misdemeanor.
HB 1326 automatically suspends for one year the drivers license of anyone convicted of illegally racing on a public roadway. Before the license can be reinstated, the driver would have to complete 10 hours of community service. The penalty for street racing increases to a Class B misdemeanor.
The law also increases the penalties for other offenses committed while street racing, such as racing drunk, possessing open containers of alcohol in the vehicle when racing or seriously injuring or killing someone during a race. The offenses range from a Class A misdemeanor to a second-degree felony.
HB 1330 allows a drivers license applicant to voluntarily list on their license any health condition that might impede communication with peace officers. The applicant must supply DPS with a written statement from a licensed physician. This law takes effect Jan. 1, 2004.
SB 45 makes it a state jail felony to drive while intoxicated with a passenger younger than 15. SB 613 suspends the driver license of anyone under 21 who is convicted of the manufacture, delivery, possession, transportation or use of an abusable volatile chemical.
Please feel free to contact me if I may be of assistance regarding any matter of state government. You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.
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