Bill Text: HI SB2158 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To The Use Of Sirens By Emergency Vehicles.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2022-03-11 - Re-referred to HHH, JHA, referral sheet 25 [SB2158 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2022-SB2158-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2158 |
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THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to the use of sirens by emergency vehicles.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the use of sirens by emergency vehicles can be necessary to alert other vehicles and pedestrians that the emergency vehicle is exercising its authority to disregard certain traffic laws, such as proceeding through a red light or exceeding the posted speed limit. The legislature further finds that some emergency response sectors have determined that there should be flexibility to not engage the siren in situations where it is unnecessary, such as responding at night when the streets are empty of cars and pedestrians. Further, the city and county of Honolulu has expressed in its ordinances that the siren should be used "as may be reasonably necessary". Despite this, some emergency response sectors believe that the use of the siren is mandatory in all circumstances. The legislature notes that the unnecessary use of a siren contributes to noise pollution, especially in heavily-congested residential areas.
Accordingly, the purpose of this measure is to provide flexibility in the use of sirens by emergency response vehicles in certain circumstances.
SECTION 2. Section 291C-26, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§291C-26 Authorized emergency vehicles. (a) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm and vehicles used by police officers while in the performance of a police function, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions herein stated.
(b) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
(1) Park or stand irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;
(2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;
(3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as the driver does not endanger life or property;
(4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions;
(5) Drive on the shoulder and median of roadways; and
(6) Drive in controlled-access roadways, highways, and facilities.
(c) The exemptions granted in subsection (b) to
an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the vehicle is making use
of authorized audible and visual signals[, except as otherwise provided by
county ordinance.]; provided that use of an authorized audible signal
shall not be required if it is not reasonably necessary under the circumstances. This subsection shall not apply to police vehicles.
(d) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall those provisions protect the driver from the consequences of the driver's reckless disregard for the safety of others."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Emergency Vehicles; Siren Use
Description:
Allows emergency response vehicles to not use sirens if the siren is not reasonably necessary under the circumstances.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
