SB 282
Modifies various provisions relating to the regulation of motor vehicles
Sponsor:
LR Number:
1480H.05T
Last Action:
6/27/2013 - Signed by Governor
Journal Page:
Title:
HCS SS SB 282
Calendar Position:
Effective Date:
August 28, 2013
House Handler:

Current Bill Summary

HCS/SS/SB 282 - This act modifies various provisions relating to the regulation of motor vehicles.

ENDANGERMENT OF EMERGENCY WORKERS - This act increases penalties for moving violations and traffic offenses occurring within an active emergency zone. Such a zone is defined under this act as an area that is visibly marked by emergency responders on, or around, a highway, and where an active emergency or incident removal is temporarily occurring.

Any person convicted of a first moving violation or traffic offense within an active emergency zone shall be assessed a fine of $35 in addition to any other fine authorized by law. A second or subsequent offense within an active emergency zone shall be assessed a fine of $75 (Section 304.892.1).

Under this act, it is a Class C misdemeanor to pass another vehicle in an active emergency zone. Those who plead guilty to, or are convicted of, a speeding or passing violation shall be assessed a fine of $250 in addition to any other fine authorized by law. A second or subsequent speeding or passing violation shall result in a $300 fine (Section 304.892.2 and .3).

A person commits the offense of endangerment of an emergency responder if, while in an active emergency zone while emergency responders are present, the person:

(1) Exceeds the posted speed limit by 15 mph or more;

(2) Passes another vehicle;

(3) Fails to stop for a flagman, an emergency responder, or a traffic control signal in the active emergency zone;

(4) Drives through, or around, an active emergency zone via any lane that is not for motorists;

(5) Physically assaults, threatens, or attempts to assault an emergency responder with a motor vehicle or other instrument; or

(6) Intentionally strikes or moves barrels, barriers, signs or other devices for a reason other than to avoid an obstacle, emergency, or to protect the health and safety of another person.

When no injury or death results, a person who pleads guilty to, or is convicted of, endangering an emergency responder shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 (Section 304.894.2).

If a death or injury results, the person commits aggravated endangerment of an emergency responder. The penalty for aggravated endangerment of an emergency responder is a fine of not more than $5,000 if a responder is injured, and not more than $10,000 if death resulted (Section 304.894.3).

The act provides for the assessment of 4 points for endangerment of an emergency responder and 12 points for aggravated endangerment of an emergency responder (Section 302.302).

If a person commits endangerment or aggravated endangerment of an emergency responder as a result of a vehicle's mechanical failure or the negligence of another person, then the person shall not be cited for, or convicted of, such offenses.

The emergency responder provisions may also be found in the truly agreed to version of HB 103 (2013). In addition, these provisions are similar to the ones contained in SB 642 (2012), the truly agreed to version of HB 430 (2011), SCS/SB 260 (2011), HCS/SCS/SB 887 (2010), HCS/HB 1541 (2010), and HB 1693 (2010).

COLLEGIATE REGULATION OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC - This act allows the governing body of any state college or university to establish regulations to control vehicular traffic on campus. Any such regulations must be consistent with state law. The governing body of any state college or university may also enforce any such regulations and general motor vehicle laws of Missouri through college or university police officers. Any regulations adopted must be codified, printed, and distributed for public use. There must be adequate signs displaying the speed limit on thoroughfares. Violations will have the same effect as a municipal ordinance, as well as penalty provisions and points. State college or university police officers must be certified under the requirements of Chapter 590 and will have the same powers as other law enforcement officers (Sections 174.700, 174.703, 174.706, 174.709, 174.712, and 544.157). These provisions are contained in the truly agreed to version of HB 103 and may also be found in SB 296 (2013) and HB 312 (2013).

REMOVAL OF CERTAIN DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSIONS - Under current Missouri law, a person's driver's license may be suspended for failing to timely dispose of traffic tickets. The suspension will be removed if the person pays the traffic ticket fine, court costs, and a reinstatement fee. The removal of the suspension from the individual's driving record will only occur if the individual was not operating a commercial motor vehicle or was a commercial driver's license holder at the time of the offense. This act deletes the provision that requires the director to return the person's license and remove the suspension from the individual's driving record (Section 302.341).

MOTORCYCLE CHECKPOINTS - This act prohibits law enforcement agencies from establishing roadside checkpoint or road block patterns based upon a particular vehicle type, including the establishment of motorcycle-only checkpoints. Law enforcement agencies may establish roadside checkpoint patterns that only stop and check commercial motor vehicles. The provisions of the act shall not be construed to restrict any other type of checkpoint or road block which is lawful and is established and operated in accordance with the provisions of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Missouri. This portion of the act is identical to SB 73 (2013) and SB 897 (2012)(HA 1).

MOTORCYCLE BRAKE LIGHTS - This act allows a motorcycle to be equipped with a means of varying the brightness of its brake light for a duration of not more than 5 seconds upon application of the vehicle's brakes. This provision is also contained in HB 715 and the truly agreed to version of SB 73 (2013) (HA 2).

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS - This act adds emergency medical technicians to the list of health care professionals who may report incompetent or unqualified drivers to the Department of Revenue (Section 302.291) (HA 3).

STEPHEN WITTE

Amendments