The bill amends West Virginia Code 17C-14-9a to establish specific requirements for drivers approaching stationary vehicles that display warning signals, such as flashing lights or hazard signals. Drivers are mandated to either change lanes away from the stationary vehicle, if safe to do so, or reduce their speed significantly—no more than 15 miles per hour on non-divided highways and 25 miles per hour on divided highways—if changing lanes is unsafe.

Penalties for violating these provisions include a misdemeanor charge, with fines up to $500 and possible jail time of up to 60 days. Additionally, if a violation results in property damage, injury, or death, the driver's privileges may be suspended for 90 days, six months, or two years, respectively. The bill also imposes increased penalties for violations that occur concurrently with other traffic offenses, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 and potential jail time of up to six months.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17C-1-71, 17C-14-9a
Engrossed Version: 17C-1-71, 17C-14-9a
Enrolled Version: 17C-14-9a