By Bob Katzen

House 154-0, approved a bill that would expand a current law that requires motorists to slow down and make every effort to change lanes if they are approaching a stationary emergency, maintenance or recovery vehicle with flashing lights on a highway. The bill would expand the law to require motorists to do the same when approaching a stationary utility truck–defined as a vehicle being used to install, maintain, repair, operate or restore communications service, electric or gas distribution or transmission service in an emergency.

The Senate has approved a different version of the measure and the House version now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Rep. Jim Arciero (D-Westford), House chair of the Committee on Transportation, said the that the bill is a sensible change to an important law and updates the “move over” law to extend its protections to utility vehicles and workers at the roadside. He noted that the measure, which got overwhelming support in the Transportation Committee, also increases penalties for repeat offenses and requires an education component for motorists who commit multiple offenses. He said that the Registry of Motor Vehicles would be required to produce a public service campaign on the move over law.

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes