By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would amend a four-decade old law that requires an amber dome light and the flashing orange lights on the back of ice cream trucks when the truck is parked and serving ice cream. The bill would provide that the law be enforced and would impose a $50 fine for failure to have the lights. It would also require that the operation of the lights be included as part of the truck’s annual inspection.

Supporters say that although these trucks that serve frozen desserts are required under current law to use these lights … the requirement as written includes no enforcement mechanism. They said it is time to enforce this law which saves lives and prevents injuries.

Sponsor Rep. Tom Vitolo (D-Brookline) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on why he filed the bill and how he feels about its initial approval.