Bill Text: IN SB0350 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Safety equipment on funeral escort and other vehicles.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-01-14 - Senator Schneider added as second author [SB0350 Detail]
Download: Indiana-2010-SB0350-Introduced.html
Citations Affected: IC 9-19; IC 9-21.
Synopsis: Safety equipment on funeral escort and other vehicles.
Specifies the equipment that may be displayed on a funeral escort
vehicle. Makes it a Class C misdemeanor to operate a funeral escort
vehicle that does not bear certain markings or that is marked with
certain other markings. Makes it a Class C misdemeanor to use the
flashing red or amber lights and siren, whistle, or bell allowed on a
funeral escort vehicle when the funeral escort vehicle is not being
operated in a funeral procession. Makes it a Class C misdemeanor for
a person to drive, park, or move a vehicle or equipment on a highway
while the vehicle or equipment is equipped with a: (1) red, red and
white, or red and blue lens; (2) red, red and white, or red and blue
reflector; (3) lamp or other device that is capable of displaying a red,
red and white, or red and blue light visible from directly in front of the
center of the vehicle or equipment; or (4) light visible from the front of
the vehicle or equipment that is other than amber or white.
Effective: July 1, 2010.
January 12, 2010, read first time and referred to Committee on Corrections, Criminal, and
Civil Matters.
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type, additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
motor vehicles.
(1) a vehicle may not be equipped with; and
(2) a person may not use upon a vehicle;
a siren, whistle, or bell.
(b) An authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell that is capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet and of a type approved by the department. A siren authorized under this section may not be used except when the vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violation of the law. The person who drives a vehicle equipped with a siren under this section shall sound the siren when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other persons who are driving vehicles of the approach of the authorized vehicle.
FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2010]: Sec. 5.5. (a) Except for a
vehicle utilized in a funeral procession, A vehicle that is not described
by sections section 2 or 5 of this chapter may not display a red and
white lamp or a red and blue lamp.
(b) A person who:
(1) purchases or otherwise acquires a vehicle with equipment
described by sections section 2 or 5 of this chapter; and
(2) is not authorized to display a red and white or red and blue
lamp upon the vehicle;
shall immediately remove the red and white or red and blue lamp from
the vehicle.
(1) An authorized emergency vehicle.
(2) A funeral escort vehicle subject to IC 9-21-13-4.
(3) A vehicle on which a red or red and
(b) A person may not drive, park, or move a vehicle or equipment
(1) red, red and white, or red and blue lens;
(2) red, red and white, or red and blue reflector; or
(3) lamp or other device
(A) a color other than white or amber; and
(B) visible from directly in front of the center of the vehicle or equipment.
(b) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates section 10 of this chapter commits a Class C misdemeanor.
flashing red and blue lights, except if either of the following conditions
exist: exists:
(1) When the right-of-way is required by an authorized emergency
vehicle giving an audible signal.
(2) When the vehicles in procession are directed otherwise by a
police officer.
(b) Before assuming the right-of-way, a person who drives a vehicle
in the funeral procession must exercise due caution with regard to
crossing traffic.
(b) A funeral escort
(1) The flashing red lights and siren may
(2) Both the right and left side of the funeral escort vehicle must be marked clearly with the words "Funeral Escort" in letters that are at least five (5) inches in height, except that when a funeral escort vehicle is a motorcycle the letters must be at least two (2) inches in height.
(3) The funeral escort vehicle may not bear:
(A) markings similar to the markings used by a law enforcement agency of the federal or state government;
(B) words, emblems, seals, or other insignia that could cause a reasonable person to confuse the funeral escort vehicle with a police vehicle; or
(C) the words "sheriff", "police", "deputy", "marshal", "agent", "patrolman", "officer", or another word that could cause a reasonable person to confuse the operator of the funeral escort vehicle with a law enforcement officer.
(d) This chapter does not prohibit the operation of a vehicle lawfully equipped with a flashing or revolving red light or a siren, whistle, or bell when the vehicle is not being operated as a funeral escort vehicle if:
(1) the red light is not illuminated;
(2) the siren is not activated; and
(3) the funeral escort vehicle complies with subsection (c)(2) and (c)(3).
(b) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates section 4 of this chapter commits a Class C misdemeanor.
