Montana

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5/31/07-Gov. Brian Schweitzer has signed a bill into law that is designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.
Montana law already requires motorists to yield the right-of-way when an ambulance or police vehicle is approaching with lights and sirens activated. It also mandates that drivers reduce speed when approaching stationary emergency vehicles that are alongside the road with their lights flashing.
If possible, they also are required to merge into a lane further away from an emergency vehicle.
The new law, previously SB222, is intended to further enhance the state's safety measures for police and other emergency personnel along roadsides. It takes effect Oct. 1.
On highways with posted speed limits of 50 mph or more, not only would drivers be required to merge into a lane further away from an emergency vehicle but they also would be required to reduce their speed by 20 mph.
On highways with one lane in each direction, drivers would be required to move as far left as possible before passing the emergency vehicle.

5/1/07-The Senate gave final approval to a bill that is designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops. The bill, which the House already approved, now heads to Gov. Brian Schweitzer's desk.
Montana law now requires motorists to yield the right-of-way when an ambulance or police vehicle is approaching with lights and sirens activated. It also mandates that drivers reduce speed when approaching stationary emergency vehicles that are alongside the road with their lights flashing.
If possible, they also would be required to merge into a lane further away from an emergency vehicle.
Sponsored by Sen. John Esp, R-Big Timber, SB222 is intended to further enhance the state's safety measures for police and other emergency personnel along roadsides.
On highways with posted speed limits of 50 mph or more, not only would drivers be required to merge into a lane further away from an emergency vehicle but they also would be required to reduce their speed by 20 mph. The Senate-approved version called for a 25-mph reduction.
On highways with one lane in each direction, drivers would be required to move as far left as possible before passing the emergency vehicle.
For bill status, call (406) 444-4800.

4/9/07-The House voted 78-21 to approve a bill that is designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.
Montana law now requires motorists to yield the right-of-way when an ambulance or police vehicle is approaching with lights and sirens activated. It also mandates that drivers reduce speed when approaching stationary emergency vehicles that are alongside the road with their lights flashing.
If possible, they also would be required to merge into a lane further away from an emergency vehicle.
Sponsored by Sen. John Esp, R-Big Timber, SB222 is intended to further enhance the state's safety measures for police and other emergency personnel along roadsides.
On highways with posted speed limits of 50 mph or more, not only would drivers be required to merge into a lane further away from an emergency vehicle but they also would be required to reduce their speed by 20 mph. The Senate-approved version called for a 25-mph reduction.
On highways with one lane in each direction, drivers would be required to move as far left as possible before passing the emergency vehicle.
The bill now heads back to the Senate for final approval before moving to Gov. Brian Schweitzer's desk.
For bill status, call (406) 444-4800.

3/23/07-A bill in the House Transportation Committee is designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops. The Senate previously approved it.
Montana law now requires motorists to yield the right-of-way when an ambulance or police vehicle is approaching with lights and sirens activated. It also mandates that drivers reduce speed when approaching stationary emergency vehicles that are alongside the road with their lights flashing. If possible, they also would be required to merge into a lane further away from an emergency vehicle.
Sponsored by Sen. John Esp, R-Big Timber, SB222 is intended to further enhance the state's safety measures for police and other emergency personnel along roadsides.
On highways with posted speed limits of 50 mph or more, not only would drivers be required to merge into a lane further away from an emergency vehicle but they also would be required to reduce their speed by 25 mph. On highways with one lane in each direction, drivers would be required to move as far left as possible before passing the emergency vehicle.
For bill status, call (406) 444-4800.

2/26/07-The Senate voted 47-3 to approve a revised measure, dubbed the "Move Over" bill, designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.
Montana law now requires motorists to yield the right-of-way when an ambulance or police vehicle is approaching with lights and sirens activated. It also mandates that drivers reduce speed when approaching stationary emergency vehicles that are alongside the road with their lights flashing. If possible, they also would be required to merge into a lane further away from an emergency vehicle.
Sponsored by Sen. John Esp, R-Big Timber, SB222 is intended to further enhance the state's safety measures for police and other emergency personnel along roadsides.
On highways with posted speed limits of 50 mph or more, not only would drivers be required to merge into a lane further away from an emergency vehicle but they also would be required to reduce their speed by 25 mph. On highways with one lane in each direction, drivers would be required to move as far left as possible before passing the emergency vehicle.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the House. For bill status, call (406) 444-4800.