By: Goldman, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Hinojosa) H.B. No. 1249
(In the Senate - Received from the House May 8, 2017;
May 8, 2017, read first time and referred to Committee on
Transportation; May 15, 2017, reported favorably by the following
vote: Yeas 6, Nays 0; May 15, 2017, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a prohibition of certain motor vehicles resembling
emergency medical services vehicles; creating a criminal offense.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 773, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 773.017 to read as follows:
Sec. 773.017. USE OF CERTAIN EXTERNAL MOTOR VEHICLE
MARKINGS OR FEATURES PROHIBITED; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) A person
may not operate a motor vehicle in this state that resembles an
emergency medical services vehicle unless the person uses the motor
vehicle:
(1) as an emergency medical services vehicle under
this chapter; or
(2) for other legitimate governmental functions,
including police or firefighting services.
(b) A motor vehicle resembles an emergency medical services
vehicle if the motor vehicle has on the exterior of the motor
vehicle any of the following markings or features:
(1) the word "ambulance" or a derivation of that word;
(2) a star of life as trademarked by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration;
(3) a Maltese cross commonly used by fire departments;
(4) forward-facing flashing red, white, or blue
lights;
(5) a siren;
(6) the words "critical care transport," "emergency,"
"emergency medical services," or "mobile intensive care unit"; or
(7) the acronym "EMS" or "MICU".
(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates this
section. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.
(d) This section does not apply to a motor vehicle bearing a
license plate issued or approved under Section 504.501 or 504.502,
Transportation Code.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.
* * * * *