Substitute House Bill No. 7204 proposes significant amendments to existing motor vehicle laws, particularly focusing on 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 colored or flashing lights on motor vehicles, with exceptions for certain government vehicles and wreckers. It establishes new categories for permitted lights, including flashing blue lights for volunteer fire department members and flashing green or blue lights for volunteer ambulance personnel. Additionally, the bill modifies the language regarding permit issuance and expands the responsibilities of fire and ambulance organizations in maintaining records of authorized personnel and vehicles.

The legislation also increases penalties for various traffic violations, elevating offenses such as failing to stop for a police officer from an infraction to a class A misdemeanor, and introduces mandatory minimum sentences for serious offenses resulting in injury or death. 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 allows a pilot program for municipal police departments to install GPS devices on their vehicles. Furthermore, the bill deletes previous exemptions related to cannabis regulations, thereby broadening law enforcement's authority in cases of cannabis impairment. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public safety, improve compliance with vehicle regulations, and strengthen 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