The bill introduces a new section to the Motor Vehicle Code, specifically Section 66-7-332.2, which mandates that drivers must yield the right of way to transit buses that are displaying an illuminated yield sign while merging into traffic from designated bus stops. It clarifies that public mass transit operators are not required to install these signs on their buses, and transit bus drivers must still comply with existing traffic laws. Violations of this new requirement are categorized as penalty assessment misdemeanors. Additionally, the bill amends definitions within the Motor Vehicle Code to include terms such as "mass transit," "transit bus," and "public mass transit operator," and updates other vehicle and traffic-related definitions.

Furthermore, the bill establishes new penalty assessments for violations concerning the operation of vehicles that exceed size or weight limits. A second offense for operating without a permit for excessive size or weight incurs a $250 penalty, while a third or subsequent offense results in a $500 penalty. It also sets penalties for transporting a reducible load with a permit for excessive size or weight beyond six miles from a port-of-entry facility on the Mexico border, with a second conviction leading to a $500 penalty and a third or subsequent conviction increasing the penalty to $1,000. These measures aim to enhance compliance with size and weight regulations.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 66-1-4.11, 66-1-4.14, 66-1-4.17, 66-8-116