An Act To Improve Safety By Allowing The Use Of Variable-Message Signs On Public Service Vehicles

This bill allows certain public safety vehicles - including wreckers, police cars, fire trucks, safety patrol vehicles, and highway maintenance vehicles - to use variable-message signs to display real-time safety information. It specifies that signs must face traffic behind the vehicle, not exceed the vehicle's width, and display only approved messages like "slow down," "accident ahead," or "move over." The law applies to vehicles operated by Maine's Department of Transportation or Maine Turnpike Authority for traffic incident response. It also requires the Commissioner of Public Safety to adopt routine technical rules for implementation. This change aims to improve roadway safety by providing clearer, immediate warnings during incidents.