Bill Text: IN HB1212 | 2012 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Blue lights on vehicles.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Enrolled - Dead) 2012-03-15 - Signed by the Governor [HB1212 Detail]
Download: Indiana-2012-HB1212-Amended.html
Citations Affected: IC 9-13; IC 9-19; IC 9-21.
Synopsis: Blue lights on vehicles. Defines funeral escort vehicle.
Provides that a vehicle utilized in a funeral procession or a funeral
escort vehicle may display certain flashing lights in certain colors.
Requires a funeral escort vehicle to bear certain markings. Prohibits a
funeral escort vehicle from bearing certain markings. Provides that, in
order for the vehicles in a funeral procession to have the right-of-way
at an intersection, the vehicle heading the funeral procession must
display a flashing red light. (Current law allows the vehicle to display
alternately flashing red and blue lights.) Provides that a person who
displays a red and blue lamp upon a vehicle or fails to remove a red and
blue lamp from a vehicle under certain circumstances commits a Class
C misdemeanor.
Effective: July 1, 2012.
January 9, 2012, read first time and referred to Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public
Safety.
January 25, 2012, amended, reported _ Do Pass.
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type, additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
motor vehicles.
(1) vehicle utilized in a funeral procession; or
(2) a funeral escort vehicle bearing markings as described in IC 9-21-13-0.7;
a vehicle that is not described by sections 2 or 5 of this chapter may not display a red and white lamp or a red and blue lamp.
(b) A person who:
(1)
(2) is not authorized to display a red and white or red and blue
lamp upon the vehicle;
shall immediately remove the red and white or red and blue lamp from
the vehicle.
(c) A vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle used in a funeral
procession or as a funeral escort vehicle, may display only red and
white, red, or amber lights.
(1) contains parts and accessories; and
(2) is equipped;
as required under regulations of the United States Department of Transportation.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), a person who violates this chapter commits a Class C infraction.
(c) A person commits a Class C misdemeanor if the person knowingly or intentionally violates section 5.5 of this chapter.
SECTION 4. IC 9-21-7-11 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2012]: Sec. 11. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a vehicle may not display flashing lights.
(b) Flashing lights may be displayed on a vehicle as follows:
(1) On an authorized emergency vehicle.
(2) On a school bus.
(3) On snow-removal equipment.
(4) As a means of indicating a right or left turn.
(5) As a means of indicating the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing.
(6) On a vehicle used in a funeral procession.
(b) A motorcycle that is a funeral escort vehicle must be clearly marked with the words "funeral escort" on both the right and left sides of the vehicle in letters that are at least two (2) inches in
height.
(c) A funeral escort vehicle may not bear:
(1) markings similar to the markings used by a law
enforcement agency of the state or the federal government;
(2) words, emblems, seals, or other insignia that could cause
a reasonable person to confuse the funeral escort vehicle with
a police vehicle; or
(3) the words "sheriff", "police", "deputy", "marshal",
"agent", "patrolman", "officer", or another word that could
cause a reasonable person to confuse the operator of the
funeral escort vehicle with a law enforcement officer.
(1) When the right-of-way is required by an authorized emergency vehicle giving an audible signal.
(2) When the vehicles in procession are directed otherwise by a police officer.
(b) Before assuming the right-of-way, a person who drives a vehicle in the funeral procession must exercise due caution with regard to crossing traffic.