Bill Text: HI HB304 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To The Statewide Traffic Code.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-12-11 - Carried over to 2024 Regular Session. [HB304 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2024-HB304-Introduced.html
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
304 |
|
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE STATEWIDE TRAFFIC CODE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that large and high-passenger vehicles pose an undue risk to public safety when allowed in the left-hand lane of public highways. High-speed lane changes are widely considered to be among the most dangerous maneuvers, especially with regard to motorcyclists, whom the drivers of large semi-trucks may find difficult to see. In addition, efficiency suffers as trucks, trailers, and buses cause congestion to the more nimble vehicles behind them.
The purpose of this Act is to prohibit large and high-passenger vehicles from using the left-hand lane, or close to the left-hand curb or edge, of roadways.
SECTION 2. Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§291C- Driving in left-hand lane or along left
curb or edge; prohibitions. (a) Notwithstanding any contrary provision in
part XVII, no person driving a vehicle with more than four wheels or a
high-passenger car shall travel:
(1) In the extreme
left-hand lane of a roadway if the roadway is clearly marked for two or more
lanes of traffic moving in the same direction; or
(2) Closer to the
left-hand curb or left-hand edge than the right-hand curb or right-hand edge of
a roadway if the roadway is not clearly marked for two or more lanes.
(b) Subsection (a) shall not apply when:
(1) Traveling a
distance not to exceed one thousand feet when preparing for a left turn at an
intersection or into a private road or driveway; or
(2) Directed by a
police officer or any other person authorized to direct, control, or regulate
traffic.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection
(d), in case of a conflict between this section and part XVII, this section
shall prevail.
(d) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a
person who operates a public transportation vehicle from traveling in a lane
that has been designated as a high-occupancy vehicle lane or zipper lane by the
department of transportation.
(e) For the purposes of this section, "high-passenger car" means a passenger car, as defined in section 286-2, designed for carrying at least eleven passengers."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
|
|
|
Report Title:
Statewide Traffic Code; Left-Hand Lane; Large and High-Passenger Vehicles; Exemptions
Description:
Prohibits drivers from operating vehicles with more than four wheels and high-passenger cars in the left-hand lane, or close to the left-hand curb or left-hand edge, of roadways. Exempts drivers operating public transportation vehicles in high‑occupancy vehicle lanes or zipper lanes.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
