Texas House Bill HB299

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 12/17/12

Caption

Relating to the operation and movement of a vehicle when certain traffic-control signals do not display an indication.

Impact

If enacted, HB299 would significantly revise local traffic regulations, bringing uniformity to how such situations are handled. This could lead to a decrease in accidents at intersections where traffic signals fail, reducing potential confusion among drivers. Furthermore, it establishes a precedent for how local authorities might be granted permission to experiment with traffic management solutions, especially for municipalities under 850,000 in population. Incorporating this bill into law would shift the enforcement framework and possibly lead to municipal traffic regulations being more aligned with state laws.

Summary

House Bill 299 proposes amendments to the Texas Transportation Code, specifically addressing the operation and movement of vehicles when traffic-control signals are not displaying any indications. The core intention of this bill is to enhance road safety by requiring drivers to treat intersections without active signals as if they were faced with a stop sign. This change stands to clarify the legal obligations of drivers at intersections where signal malfunctions may occur, ensuring consistent behavior across all drivers in these scenarios.

Contention

While there might be support for the bill concerning its potential to improve public safety and reduce traffic accidents, it is important to note the concerns surrounding authority and local governance. Some local officials could express apprehension about state preemption, fearing that the bill could limit their ability to create responsive and nuanced traffic regulations tailored to local needs. Additionally, discussions may arise around the efficacy and logistics of implementing a 'stop as if indicated' requirement without adequate public awareness or education about the new protocol.