HBA-DMD, ALS H.B. 3366 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3366
By: Talton
Transportation
9/15/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, federal lighting regulation allows for accessory lights on motor
carriers in addition to required taillamps and turn signals. Tow trucks are
now equipped with light bars that have red turn signals and stop lights, so
that other drivers may be aware of changes in the speed and direction of
the tow truck even when the rear of the truck is obscured because it is
towing another vehicle. Additionally, these tow lights are currently
required to be placed on the vehicle being towed and not on the tow truck.
The purpose of this bill is to allow tow trucks be equipped with additional
lighting equipment. 

H.B. 3366 allows a tow truck to be equipped with alternately flashing
lighting equipment, in addition to its required mounted light bar. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 547.305(d), Transportation Code, to authorize a
tow truck with a mounted light bar which has turn signals and stop lamps in
addition to those required by Sections 547.322 (Taillamps Required),
547.323 (Stoplamps Required), and 547.324 (Turn Signal Lamps
Required),Transportation Code, to be equipped with alternately flashing
lighting equipment described by Sections 547.701 (Additional Equipment
Requirements for School Buses) or 547.702 (Additional Equipment
Requirements for Authorized Emergency Vehicles). Makes nonsubstantive
changes. 

SECTION 2.Effective date: July 1, 1999.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.