Under existing law, the Department of Transportation is required, with certain exceptions, to contract for all work of construction, reconstruction, improvement and maintenance of highways in this State. (NRS 408.327) Section 1 of this bill requires the Department to establish a program to allow a contractor who has been awarded a contract for work on a highway to obtain a permit for the use of a law enforcement vehicle owned by the Nevada Highway Patrol that: (1) is clearly marked as such; (2) is equipped with at least one flashing red warning lamp and may be equipped with other warning lights; and (3) has been rendered incapable of being driven. Section 1 also provides that a contractor may only use: (1) the flashing red warning lamp or other warning lamps if construction workers are present; and (2) the law enforcement vehicle if the contractor has requested the presence of an authorized emergency vehicle operated by a Nevada Highway Patrol Officer and neither an officer nor an authorized emergency vehicle could be made available in the area where the work is being performed. Under existing law, certain state and local agencies are authorized to obtain permits from the Department of Public Safety to own and operate emergency vehicles in the performance of their duties. (NRS 484A.480) Section 2 of this bill authorizes the issuance of such a permit for a vehicle owned and operated by the office of a coroner or medical examiner. Section 2 also makes a conforming change to allow the holder of a permit issued pursuant to section 1 to operate the warning lights on a law enforcement vehicle while parked on a highway.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 484A.480
Reprint 1: 484A.480
As Enrolled: 484A.480
BDR: 484A.480