Vessels: operation and equipment: blue lights.

Existing law reserves the use of a distinctive blue light to law enforcement vessels. Existing law authorizes the blue light to be displayed during the day or night when the vessel is engaged in direct law enforcement activities as specified. Existing law prohibits the display of this blue light on vessels for other purposes. Existing law requires vessels approaching, overtaking, being approached, or being overtaken by a moving law enforcement vessel operating with a siren or an illuminated blue light to immediately slow to a speed sufficient to maintain steerage, alter course so as not to inhibit or interfere with the operation of the law enforcement vessel, and proceed at the reduced speed unless directed otherwise. Existing law requires the operator of a cable ferry to take whatever reasonable action is necessary to provide a clear course for a law enforcement vessel operating with a siren or an illuminated blue light. Existing law makes the violation of these provisions an infraction, punishable by a fine. This bill would reserve the use of this distinctive blue light to public safety vessels, defined to include law enforcement, fire department, or fire protection district vessels, that are engaged in direct law enforcement activities, or public safety activities conducted by a fire department or fire protection district, as provided. By expanding the law to cover fire department and fire protection district vessels, the bill would expand the scope of a crime, thereby creating a state-mandated local program. 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.