Vehicles: emergency vehicles.

(1) Existing law requires a person driving a vehicle on a freeway approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle displaying emergency lights, or a stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights to approach with due caution and, before passing in a lane immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle or tow truck, to either change lanes or slow to a reasonable and prudent speed, absent any other direction by a peace officer. This provision is repealed on January 1, 2010. A violation of this provision is an infraction. This bill would delete the repeal date. Because this bill would extend a criminal violation indefinitely, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) Existing law requires tow trucks used to tow disabled vehicles to be equipped with flashing amber warning lamps, and authorizes tow trucks to display flashing amber warning lamps while providing service to a disabled vehicle. Existing law prohibits a tow truck from displaying flashing amber warning lamps on a freeway except when an unusual traffic hazard or extreme hazard exists. This provision is repealed on January 1, 2010. A violation of this provision is a crime. This bill would delete the repeal date. Because this bill would extend a criminal violation indefinitely, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (3) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.