Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 84 (2020GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Hall, C.

Final action

Governor Signed 3/24/2020

Outcome

Became law — signed by Gov. Gary R. Herbert

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• increases the minimum fines and penalties associated with passing a school bus displaying flashing lights.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

TRAFFIC CODE AMENDMENTS
GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Craig Hall
Senate Sponsor: 
Todd Weiler
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill amends provisions in the Traffic Code regarding the penalties for passing a
school bus.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
▸ increases the minimum fines and penalties associated with passing a school bus
displaying flashing lights.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
41-6a-1302
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2017, Chapter 186
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 
41-6a-1302
 is amended to read:
41-6a-1302.
School bus -- Signs and light signals -- Flashing amber lights --
Flashing red lights -- Passing school bus -- Duty to stop -- Travel in opposite direction --
Penalties.
(1) A school bus, when operated for the transportation of school children, shall:
(a) bear on the front and rear of the bus a plainly visible sign containing the words
"school bus" in letters not less than eight inches in height, which shall be removed or covered
when the vehicle is not in use for the transportation of school children; and
(b) be equipped with alternating flashing amber and red light signals visible from the
front and rear, of a type approved and mounted as required under Section 
41-6a-1301
 and
prescribed by the department under Section 
41-6a-1601
.
(2) The operator of a vehicle on a highway, upon meeting or overtaking a school bus
equipped with signals required under this section which is displaying alternating flashing:
(a) amber warning light signals, shall slow the vehicle, but may proceed past the school
bus using due care and caution at a speed not greater than specified in Subsection 
41-6a-601
(2)
for school zones for the safety of the school children that may be in the vicinity; or
(b) red light signals visible from the front or rear, shall stop immediately before
reaching the bus and may not proceed until the flashing red light signals cease operation.
(3) The operator of a vehicle need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus
displaying alternating flashing red light signals if the school bus is traveling in the opposite
direction when:
(a) traveling on a divided highway;
(b) the bus is stopped at an intersection or other place controlled by a traffic-control
signal or by a peace officer; or
(c) on a highway of five or more lanes, which may include a left-turn lane or two-way
left turn lane.
(4) (a) The operator of a school bus shall operate alternating flashing red light signals
at all times when:
(i) children are unloading from a school bus to cross a highway;
(ii) a school bus is stopped for the purpose of loading children who must cross a
highway to board the bus; or
(iii) it would be hazardous for vehicles to proceed past the stopped school bus.
(b) The alternating flashing red light signals may not be operated except:
(i) when the school bus is stopped for loading or unloading school children; or
(ii) for an emergency purpose.
(5) The operator of a school bus being operated on a highway shall have the headlights
of the school bus lighted.
(6) (a) A violation of Subsection (2) or (3) is a class C misdemeanor and the minimum
[
fine
] 
penalty
 is:
(i) [
$100
] 
$250 and 10 hours of compensatory service
 for a first offense;
(ii) [
$200
] 
$500 and 20 hours of compensatory service
 for a second offense within
three years of a previous conviction or bail forfeiture; and
(iii) [
$500
] 
$1,000 and 40 hours of compensatory service
 for a third or subsequent
offense within three years of a previous conviction or bail forfeiture.
(b) A violation of Subsection (5) is an infraction and the fine is $50.
(c) The court may order the person to perform compensatory service in lieu of the fine
or any portion of the fine if the court makes the reasons for the waiver part of the record.
(d) In accordance with Section 
78A-5-110
, 
78A-6-210
, or 
78A-7-120
, as applicable, if
a photograph or video image obtained from an automated traffic enforcement safety device
described in Section 
41-6a-1310
 was used as evidence of a violation of Subsection (2) or (3),
20% of the fine collected under Subsection (6)(a) shall be deposited with the school district or
private school that owns or contracts for the operation of the bus to offset the costs of the
automated traffic enforcement safety device.
(7) A violation of Subsection (1) or (4) is an infraction.
(8) The Driver License Division shall develop and implement a record system to
distinguish:
(a) a conviction or bail forfeiture under this section from other convictions; and
(b) between a first and subsequent conviction or bail forfeiture under this section.