Substitute House Bill No. 7204 proposes significant amendments to existing motor vehicle laws, particularly concerning the use of colored or flashing lights on vehicles, traffic safety regulations, and penalties for various infractions. The bill repeals Section 14-96q and introduces new provisions that require permits for the use of colored or flashing lights on motor vehicles, with exceptions for certain government vehicles and wreckers. It clarifies definitions related to flashing lights and modifies the regulations for emergency personnel, allowing for the use of specific colored lights without permits under certain conditions. The bill also emphasizes the authority of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to issue permits and maintain records, enhancing oversight in the use of emergency vehicle lighting.

In addition to the changes regarding vehicle lighting, the bill increases penalties for various motor vehicle offenses, including elevating the consequences for failing to stop for police signals and evading a police officer. It establishes a traffic safety corridor program that designates high-accident areas with doubled fines for violations, mandates annual safety inspections for law enforcement vehicles, and introduces a pilot program for GPS tracking in municipal police vehicles. The bill also expands law enforcement's ability to conduct impairment tests based on cannabis odor, while deleting previous exemptions for probation officers. Overall, sHB7204 aims to improve public safety through stricter enforcement and enhanced penalties for traffic violations.

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