HCS HB 136, 159, 207, 564 -- MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY

SPONSOR:  Thomason

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Motor
Vehicle and Traffic Regulations by a vote of 10 to 0.

This substitute requires that school bus drivers in the process
of loading and unloading students off the highway proper on the
shoulder must activate the electrical signalling devices, but
not the mechanical signalling devices.  Drivers must load or
unload students on the shoulder of a highway when sufficient
width to accommodate the vehicle is available.  If sufficient
width is not available along the shoulder, a bus may be stopped
on the road or highway proper.

All drivers of motor vehicles must stop when meeting or
overtaking a school bus which has stopped or which is parked
anywhere, including on a school parking lot, for the purpose of
receiving or discharging any school children.  Current law
requires drivers to stop only on highways.

The substitute requires motor vehicle headlamps to be used any
time when rain, snow, fog or other atmospheric conditions
require the use of windshield wipers.

Persons using motor vehicles or motorcycles in the business of
providing traffic escort services for funeral processions may
use alternately flashing warning signals.  These lights may be
red in color.  Such vehicles cannot operate as emergency
vehicles.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of this printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this legislation is an
important implement in the control of highway safety and will
reduce auto accidents.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Smith, Kreider, and
Hand; Division of Highway Safety; and Missouri Highway Patrol.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Robert Triplett, Research Analyst

HB 136 -- Motor Vehicle Headlamps

Sponsor: Smith (11)

This bill requires motor vehicle headlamps to be used any time
when rain, snow, fog or other atmospheric conditions require the
use of windshield wipers.