Substitute House Bill No. 7204 proposes significant amendments to existing traffic laws, particularly concerning the use of colored or flashing lights on vehicles and the penalties for various traffic violations. The bill repeals Section 14-96q and introduces new provisions that clarify permit requirements for using colored or flashing lights, exempting certain vehicles like wreckers from these requirements. It broadens the scope of permitted lights by replacing "flashing" with "including flashing" and allows maintenance vehicles to use yellow or amber lights without a permit. Additionally, the bill modifies penalties for traffic violations, elevating offenses such as failing to stop for a police officer from an infraction to a class A misdemeanor, and establishes a traffic safety corridor program that imposes doubled fines for violations in designated high-accident areas.

Moreover, the bill mandates annual safety inspections for law enforcement vehicles and includes a study on a statewide phlebotomy program to address impaired driving. It expands law enforcement's authority regarding cannabis-related traffic stops by deleting previous exemptions for probation officers. The bill also introduces new offenses related to distracted driving and improper highway entry, while increasing penalties for evading responsibility and misconduct with a motor vehicle. The effective date for many provisions is set for October 1, 2025, with some taking effect upon passage, aiming to enhance road safety and law enforcement capabilities.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-96q, 14-222a, 14-223, 54-33p
PS Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-96q, 14-222a, 14-223, 54-33p
File No. 476: 14-96q, 14-222a, 14-223, 54-33p