81R12284 JAM-F
By: Jackson H.B. No. 3702
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to vehicles passing stationary tow trucks on a highway;
providing a penalty.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 545.157, Transportation Code, is amended
by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d) to read as
follows:
(a) On approaching a stationary authorized emergency
vehicle using visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections
547.305 and 547.702, or a stationary tow truck assisting a stranded
motorist or motor vehicle or otherwise involved in the clearing of
an incident on a highway, an operator, unless otherwise directed by
a police officer, shall:
(1) vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle
or tow truck 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.
(d) In this section "tow truck" means a vehicle that:
(1) has been issued a permit under Subchapter C,
Chapter 2308, Occupations Code; and
(2) is operated by a person licensed under Subchapter
D, Chapter 2308, Occupations Code.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.