OK
Oklahoma House Bill HB1691

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1691

Introduced
2/1/21  

Caption

Emergency vehicles; restricting the use of certain lamps; effective date.

Impact

The impact of HB 1691 is significant for state laws governing the usage of specific vehicle lights. By formalizing the restrictions on light intensity and color, the bill aims to create clearer guidelines for vehicle operation, particularly for emergency responders who utilize high-intensity lamps. This amendment is expected to align with best practices in traffic safety, positioning Oklahoma to adopt similar standards seen in other states that prioritize reducing visual clutter on roads. The bill also addresses the visibility of emergency vehicles, underscoring a commitment to ensuring that these vehicles can operate safely and effectively during emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 1691 aims to revise Oklahoma's regulations surrounding the use of lights on motor vehicles, particularly focusing on emergency vehicles. This legislation intends to amend existing laws that govern the intensity and visibility of vehicle lamps to enhance road safety. Notably, it establishes restrictions on lamps projecting a beam of light greater than three hundred candlepower, ensuring that such lights do not illuminate areas beyond seventy-five feet from the vehicle. The bill emphasizes the need to limit distracting or hazardous lighting conditions on roadways, thereby potentially reducing traffic incidents related to visibility issues.

Contention

As with many legislative changes, there may exist points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly from those who may see it as limiting the operational capabilities of certain vehicles. Concerns could arise among emergency service providers regarding the implications for their response effectiveness under the new restrictions. Additionally, individuals or businesses that utilize specialized lighting for various purposes may object to the enforcement of stringent regulations regarding the type and intensity of lighting permitted on their vehicles.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB787

Motor vehicles; authorizing use of flashing lights on road-service vehicles. Effective date.

OK HB1241

Class B authorized emergency vehicles and special restrictions on lamps on motor vehicles or equipment.

OK HB1475

To Authorize The Use Of Green Lights; To Amend The Restrictions On Lamp Colors; To Amend The Colors Of Lights That May Be Used By Emergency Vehicles; And To Define A Roadway Construction Or Maintenance Vehicle.

OK SB1109

Law enforcement vehicles; modifying certain vehicle usage; prohibiting certain markings. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB158

Severe weather tracking creating the Oklahoma Emergency Weather Response and Tracking Regulatory Act of 2025. Effective date. Emergency.

OK S2697

Permits certain motor vehicles to display both amber and green warning lights.

OK A3496

Permits certain motor vehicles to display both amber and green warning lights.

OK HB2426

Emergency weather response; creating the Oklahoma Emergency Weather Response and Tracking Regulatory Act of 2025; defining terms; effective date.

OK HB3866

Motor vehicles; authorizing the use of emergency lights on certain firefighters' privately owned vehicles; effective date.

OK SB335

Increasing penalties and creating a crime for injuring or causing death of certain authorized emergency vehicle operators for unlawful passing of stationary authorized emergency vehicle.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.