SB 178 Ohio Senate · 135th Legislature (2023-2024)

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

280
Passed
Total votes 28
Dec 4, 2024
D Democratic7
7 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican21
21 Yea
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