Prohibit certain actions around a distressed vehicle
SB 178 requires drivers to take specific actions when passing a stationary vehicle in distress or an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights. On highways with at least two lanes in the same direction, drivers must change lanes to avoid the stationary vehicle if it is safe and possible. If lane changes are not feasible or the road does not have multiple lanes, drivers must proceed with caution, reduce speed, and maintain a safe distance. Violating these rules is classified as a minor misdemeanor, but penalties increase to higher-degree misdemeanors for repeat offenders and include additional fines if the violation occurs while the driver is distracted.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Oct 2023
Committee Review
Dec 2024
Senate Passage
Dec 2024
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Oct 19, 2023
Last action Dec 9, 2024
Floor votes · Senate Dec 4, 2024
How they voted
28–0
Passed
Total votes 28
Dec 4, 2024
D
Democratic7
100% Yea
R
Republican21
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Dec 9, 2024
Committee
Refer to Committee
lower
Dec 4, 2024
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Nov 15, 2023
Committee
Refer to Committee
upper
Oct 19, 2023
Introduced
Introduced
upper
1 primary · 16 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Steve Wilson
RRepublican
Co
Al Landis
RRepublican
Co
Bill DeMora
DDemocratic
Co
Bill Reineke
RRepublican
Co
Bob Hackett
RRepublican
Co
Catherine Ingram
DDemocratic
Co
Hearcel Craig
DDemocratic
Co
Jerry Cirino
RRepublican
Co
Kent Smith
DDemocratic
Co
Kristina Roegner
RRepublican
Co
Mark Romanchuk
RRepublican
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