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HB 413

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO USE OF REVOLVING OR FLASHING GREEN LIGHT.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Bush and 8 co-sponsors

Delaware HB 413 clarifies who may use revolving or flashing green lights and sets standards, permitting, and penalties to improve safety and prevent misuse.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 413

Overview

HB 413 (Session 153, Delaware) aims to amend Title 21 of the Delaware Code related to the use of revolving or flashing green lights. The bill was introduced on May 12, 2026 and assigned to the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in the House. It has nine sponsors, including co-sponsors Frank Cooke, Bill Carson, Stell Selby, Dave Lawson, Jack Walsh, Claire Snyder-Hall, Spiros Mantzavinos, Melanie Ross Levin, and Bill Bush.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary objective is to modify existing law governing the use of revolving or flashing green lights on vehicles or by certain entities.
  • The bill seeks to clarify, expand, or restrict the circumstances under which such lighting may be used, potentially affecting law enforcement, emergency, utility, or other authorized vehicles, as well as private or public entities permitted to use green signaling.

Key Provisions (as typically encompassed by this type of amendment)

Note: The specific text of HB 413 is not provided here, but the bill’s title indicates the following categories of potential provisions:
- Definitions: Clarification of what constitutes “revolving” or “flashing green light” and the contexts in which the light is considered permissible.
- Authorized Uses: Which vehicles or organizations may employ revolving or flashing green lights (e.g., emergency response, construction, maintenance, utility work, or public safety).
- Certification and Compliance: Requirements for authorization, training, vehicle equipment standards, and permitting processes.
- Prohibited Uses: Restrictions on use in non-authorized scenarios to prevent evasion or misuse.
- Penalties: Sanctions for improper use, including fines or penalties for non-compliance.
- Enforcement: Roles of law enforcement in monitoring and enforcing the provisions.
- Interoperability and Safety: Provisions addressing how green lights interact with other signaling systems and the potential impact on traffic safety.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Vehicles and drivers authorized to use revolving or flashing green lights under current or proposed law.
  • Agencies or organizations granted new or revised authorization to deploy such lighting (e.g., police, fire, EMS, public works, utility providers, road construction and maintenance crews).
  • Law enforcement and regulatory agencies responsible for enforcement, permitting, and compliance oversight.
  • General public and drivers who encounter green lights on the roadway, due to changes in where and when such signals may be used.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Introduced and assigned to the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in the House (as of May 12, 2026).
  • Next steps typically include committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor consideration by the House, followed by Senate review and possible governor action.
  • If enacted, the effective date would be specified within the bill’s text, along with any phased implementation or interim regulatory updates.

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Safety and Traffic Flow: Clarification and standardization of green-light use could reduce confusion on the roads and enhance safety for responders and the public.
  • Operational Flexibility: Authorized entities may gain clearer guidelines for deploying green lights, improving visibility for ongoing operations.
  • Enforcement and Compliance: Clear penalties and permitting processes could deter misuse and ensure accountability.
  • Interagency Coordination: May necessitate updates to training, vehicle equipment standards, and interagency communication protocols.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary further once the bill’s exact text becomes available or provide a side-by-side comparison with current Delaware statutes on revolving/flashing green lights.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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