Transportation (Traffic Safety) in West Virginia

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 5, 2026

HB 5587: To authorize cameras in school buses to send red light violators footage directly to the applicable law enforcement agency for ticketing and enforcement

HB 5587 requires school buses to have cameras that automatically send footage of drivers illegally passing stopped buses directly to law enforcement for ticketing. It applies to drivers who violate school bus stop laws (e.g., passing when flashing lights are active), which currently carry fines and license suspensions. The bill adds a new enforcement mechanism: camera footage is transmitted directly to police without manual reporting, streamlining the process for issuing citations. This directly affects drivers who fail to stop for school buses, with penalties ranging from $500 fines for first offenses to jail time for repeat or severe violations causing injury or death.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit Traffic Safety

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 9, 2026

HB 5376: Requiring auto accident toxicology test be performed

HB 5376 requires toxicology tests to be performed on drivers involved in any vehicle crash that results in death. The bill mandates these tests be conducted "as soon as possible" following a fatal accident. It directly affects drivers involved in crashes causing death, ensuring their blood or urine is tested for drugs or alcohol. The law, named "Erin’s Law" in the bill, adds this requirement to existing West Virginia traffic safety statutes without changing penalties for hit-and-run offenses.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

introduced · West Virginia · Senate Jan 19, 2026

SB 482: Creating WV Driver Safety Modernization Act

SB 482 creates West Virginia's Driver Safety Modernization Act to improve road safety by establishing a system for reviewing drivers whose medical conditions, age, or behavior may affect driving ability. It requires periodic medical certification for certain drivers (not solely based on age), creates a medical review unit for fair assessments, and mandates reporting of wrong-way driving incidents. The bill also provides immunity for doctors reporting medical concerns, offers senior driver safety courses and mobility planning resources, and requires the state to review highway interchanges where wrong-way crashes occurred. This law directly affects drivers over a certain age, medical professionals, law enforcement, and the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 30, 2026

HB 4363: Establishing a program for camera assisted speed enforcement in active work zones on public highways

HB 4363 allows the use of camera systems to enforce speed limits in active road construction zones on West Virginia public highways. It authorizes the state highway commissioner to set work zone speed limits and permits "work zone speed control systems" (cameras) as an exception to general bans on photo enforcement devices. The bill requires drivers to obey speed limits in work zones and specifies that cameras can only be used to assist law enforcement with speed enforcement, not for general traffic monitoring. It also sets rules for camera operation, including machine function restrictions and lawful use conditions. This directly affects drivers traveling through active highway construction sites and highway authorities managing work zone safety.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4538: Regarding fines in DOH work zones

HB 4538 limits the use of photo/video speed enforcement equipment to West Virginia Division of Highways work zones. It requires two advance signs indicating photo enforcement, mandates a law enforcement officer's physical presence during violations, and sets strict evidentiary standards (including vehicle identification and a sworn officer statement). The bill prohibits automated enforcement outside work zones and restricts equipment use to state-owned devices or those in patrol/DOH vehicles. This applies to all state and local law enforcement using such technology in active highway construction areas where workers are present.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 22, 2026

HB 4728: To require motorists traveling 10 mph or more below the speed limit to activate hazard lights.

HB 4728 requires drivers on interstates and state highways to activate hazard lights when traveling more than 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. This law directly affects all motorists operating vehicles on designated highways who are driving significantly slower than the speed limit. The key provision mandates that hazard lights must be turned on in this specific situation to improve visibility. The bill aims to enhance road safety by making slower-moving vehicles more noticeable to other drivers.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 26, 2026

HB 4825: Authorizing municipalities to place signage on state roads within their municipal jurisdiction and boundaries.

HB 4825 authorizes West Virginia municipalities to place signage on state roads located within their municipal boundaries. The bill specifically permits signs such as speed warnings or radar-based speed displays that inform drivers of their current speed. This applies only to state roads situated inside a municipality's jurisdiction, not to all state highways. The legislation directly affects local governments by giving them new authority to install traffic safety signage on roads they oversee within city limits.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

vetoed · West Virginia · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 558: Relating to school bus safety violations by vehicle operators

West Virginia's SB 558 strengthens penalties for drivers who pass a stopped school bus with activated stop arms and red lights while children are boarding or exiting. It creates new aggravated offenses: causing serious injury becomes a felony with 1-3 years in jail and $2,000-$5,000 fines, while causing death becomes a felony with 1-10 years in jail and $5,000-$10,000 fines. Repeat violations now trigger mandatory jail time (48 hours for third offenses), longer license suspensions (up to one year), and require completion of a driver safety course. The bill also allows civil stop-arm camera enforcement, holds vehicle owners liable for violations, and dedicates collected fines to school bus safety initiatives.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics School Safety School Transportation Driver Licensing Public Transit Traffic Safety

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 26, 2026

HB 4829: Make speeds that exceed 30MPH over the speed limit reckless driving

HB 4829 amends West Virginia law to define driving more than 30 miles per hour over posted speed limits as reckless driving. This directly affects drivers who exceed speed limits by 30+ mph on public roads, school zones, state parks, or educational institution properties. The bill establishes penalties: a first offense carries up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses or if the speeding causes serious injury. Exceptions include temporarily closed racing events and designated recreational vehicle areas within state parks.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections Traffic Safety

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 4835: Adjusting the timing of traffic lights on divided highways

HB 4835 requires all traffic-control lights on divided highways in West Virginia to include a three-second pause between when one set of lights turns red and the opposite set turns green. This change directly affects drivers and traffic flow on state highways with divided roadways. The bill amends state law to mandate this specific timing adjustment for all such traffic signals. It does not alter other traffic rules or affect undivided highways. The provision aims to improve safety by adding a brief pause during light transitions.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

All transportation bills