TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF GREEN LIGHTS; TO AMEND THE RESTRICTIONS ON LAMP COLORS; TO AMEND THE COLORS OF LIGHTS THAT MAY BE USED BY EMERGENCY VEHICLES; AND TO DEFINE A ROADWAY CONSTRUCTION OR MAINTENANCE VEHICLE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Carr and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1475 allows Arkansas construction vehicles to use green lights, enhancing visibility and safety for workers and motorists in roadway work zones.

Notification that HB1475 is now Act 209

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1475 (HB 1475) aims to authorize the use of green lights on roadway construction or maintenance vehicles in Arkansas. The bill also amends existing regulations regarding lamp colors for emergency vehicles and defines what constitutes a roadway construction or maintenance vehicle. The intent is to enhance safety and clarity on roadways, particularly in construction zones.

Key Provisions

Authorization of Green Lights:

The bill permits roadway construction or maintenance vehicles to use green flashing lights or rotating beacons.
These vehicles will not be classified as emergency vehicles unless designated by the Director of the Division of Emergency Management.

Amendments to Lamp Color Restrictions:

The bill modifies existing restrictions on lamp colors for vehicles, allowing roadway construction or maintenance vehicles to display amber, white, or green lights.
It clarifies that flashing lights are generally prohibited except for specific vehicles, including roadway construction or maintenance vehicles.

Definition of Roadway Construction or Maintenance Vehicles:

The bill defines these vehicles as those owned by state, county, or municipal agencies, or private entities contracted for hazardous services along roadways.
It specifies that these vehicles can use a combination of amber, white, and green lights to signal their presence and the need for caution from other motorists.

Regulations on Emergency Lights:

The bill updates regulations regarding the use of flashing or rotating lights on vehicles, allowing for specific exceptions for roadway construction or maintenance vehicles.

Affected Parties

Roadway Construction and Maintenance Workers: The bill directly impacts workers in the construction and maintenance sectors by providing them with clearer visibility and recognition on the road.

Motorists: The changes aim to enhance safety for drivers by clearly indicating the presence of construction vehicles, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents in work zones.

Emergency Management Officials: The bill gives authority to the Director of the Division of Emergency Management to designate certain vehicles as emergency vehicles under specific conditions.

Procedural Timeline

Introduced: February 13, 2025

Passed: The bill went through several readings and committee reviews, ultimately passing both the House and Senate on February 25, 2025.

Enrolled: The bill was correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office on February 26, 2025.

Act Status: As of February 27, 2025, HB 1475 has been enacted as Act 209.

Conclusion

HB 1475 represents a significant update to Arkansas's vehicle lighting regulations, particularly for roadway construction and maintenance vehicles. By allowing the use of green lights and clarifying the definitions and restrictions surrounding vehicle lamp colors, the bill aims to improve safety for both workers and motorists on Arkansas roadways.

Bill