Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 69 First Substitute (2021GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Musselman, C.R.

Final action

Governor Signed 3/16/2021

Outcome

Became law — signed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• amends the Traffic Code to:
• clarify that a driver is required to use a turn signal to merge to another lane from a lane that is ending; and
• prohibits a driver from operating a vehicle when the driver's view is obstructed by certain objects; and
• makes technical changes.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

TRAFFIC CODE AMENDMENTS
GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Calvin R. Musselman
Senate Sponsor: 
Chris H. Wilson
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill amends the Traffic Code to clarify the law with regard to a turn signal and
objects that might obstruct a driver's view.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
▸ amends the Traffic Code to:
• clarify that a driver is required to use a turn signal to merge to another lane from
a lane that is ending; and
• prohibits a driver from operating a vehicle when the driver's view is obstructed
by certain objects; and
▸ makes technical changes.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
41-6a-804
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2015, Chapter 412
41-6a-1635
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2015, Chapter 412
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 
41-6a-804
 is amended to read:
41-6a-804.
Turning or changing lanes -- Safety -- Signals -- Stopping or sudden
decrease in speed -- Signal flashing -- Where prohibited.
(1) (a) A person may not turn a vehicle
, merge into a continuing lane from a lane of
travel that is ending,
 or 
otherwise
 move right or left on a roadway or change lanes until:
(i) the movement can be made with reasonable safety; and
(ii) an appropriate signal has been given as provided under this section.
(b) A signal of intention to turn right or left or to change lanes shall be given
continuously for at least the last two seconds preceding the beginning of the movement.
(2) A person may not stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first
giving an appropriate signal to the operator of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is
opportunity to give a signal.
(3) (a) A stop or turn signal when required shall be given either by the hand and arm or
by signal lamps.
(b) If hand and arm signals are used, a person operating a vehicle shall give the
required hand and arm signals from the left side of the vehicle as follows:
(i) left turn: hand and arm extended horizontally;
(ii) right turn: hand and arm extended upward; and
(iii) stop or decrease speed: hand and arm extended downward.
(c) (i) A person operating a bicycle or device propelled by human power may give the
required hand and arm signals for a right turn by extending the right hand and arm horizontally
to the right.
(ii) This Subsection (3)(c) is an exception to the provision of Subsection (3)(b)(ii).
(4) A person required to make a signal under this section may not flash a signal:
(a) on one side only on a disabled vehicle;
(b) as a courtesy or "do pass" to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear;
or
(c) on one side only of a parked vehicle.
(5) A violation of this section is an infraction.
Section 2. Section 
41-6a-1635
 is amended to read:
41-6a-1635.
Windshields and windows -- Tinting -- Obstructions reducing
visibility -- Wipers -- Prohibitions.
(1) Except as provided in Subsections (2) [
and
]
,
 (3), 
and (4)
 a person may not operate a
motor vehicle with:
(a) a windshield that allows less than 70% light transmittance;
(b) a front side window that allows less than 43% light transmittance;
(c) any windshield or window that is composed of, covered by, or treated with any
material or component that presents a metallic or mirrored appearance; [
or
]
(d) any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material on the windshield or side
windows of the motor vehicle except:
(i) a certificate or other paper required to be so displayed by law; or
(ii) the vehicle's identification number displayed or etched in accordance with rules
made by the department under Section 
41-6a-1601
[
.
]
; or
(e) any debris, frost, or other substance that materially obstructs the operator's view.
(2) (a) A person may not operate a motor vehicle with an object or device hanging or
mounted in a manner that materially obstructs the operator's view.
(b) A person shall ensure that an object or device hanging or mounted in compliance
with Subsection (2)(a) is used in accordance with this chapter.
[
(2)
] 
(3)
 Nontransparent materials may be used:
(a) along the top edge of the windshield if the materials do not extend downward more
than four inches from the top edge of the windshield or beyond the AS-1 line whichever is
lowest;
(b) in the lower left-hand corner of the windshield provided they do not extend more
than three inches to the right of the left edge or more than four inches above the bottom edge of
the windshield; or
(c) on the rear windows including rear side windows located behind the vehicle
operator.
[
(3)
] 
(4)
 A windshield or other window is considered to comply with the requirements
of Subsection (1) if the windshield or other window meets the federal statutes and regulations
for motor vehicle window composition, covering, light transmittance, and treatment.
[
(4)
] 
(5)
 Except for material used on the windshield in compliance with Subsections
[
(2)
] 
(3)
(a) and (b), a motor vehicle with tinting or nontransparent material on any window
shall be equipped with rear-view mirrors mounted on the left side and on the right side of the
motor vehicle to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the motor vehicle.
[
(5)
] 
(6)
 (a) (i) The windshield on a motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for
cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield.
(ii) The device shall be constructed to be operated by the operator of the motor vehicle.
(b) A windshield wiper on a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order.
[
(6)
] 
(7)
 A person may not have for sale, sell, offer for sale, install, cover, or treat a
windshield or window in violation of this section.
[
(7)
] 
(8)
 Notwithstanding this section, any person subject to the federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards, including motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors, dealers, importers, and
repair businesses, shall comply with the federal standards on motor vehicle window tinting.
[
(8)
] 
(9)
 A violation of this section is an infraction.