TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly signed on Monday Senate Bill 8, which requires drivers to move over when passing stationary vehicles displaying hazard warning lights.
“Thanks to this commonsense bill, all drivers will now be required to move over or slow down if there is a vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This bill will improve safety and will make it easier to educate the driving public.”
Senate Bill 8 works to protect both drivers of disabled vehicles displaying hazard warning signal lights and other drivers on the road. The bill requires drivers on the road to proceed with caution and change lanes away from the disabled vehicle if it is possible and safe to do so.
“Eighty-two crashes occurred from 2018-2023 with someone in a vehicle while on the side of the road,” said State Representative for the 125th District Shannon Francis. “This bill will improve driver behavior by creating consistency with other move-over bills for law enforcement, first responders, and utility vehicles, among others.”
Historically, move-over protections had been limited to emergency personnel. Over time, these protections included road service vehicles, utility, and tow trucks. This year, move-over protections will apply to all highway vehicles.
“Senate Bill 8 is a commonsense safety measure that will enhance protections for all travelers on Kansas roadways,” said Senator for District 7 Ethan Corson “With its enactment, we’re taking meaningful steps to look out for drivers and passengers.”
In addition to Senate Bill 8, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:
Senate Bill 2: Validates the election results for the bond issuance question submitted by the board of education of USD 200, Greeley County, at a special election held on May 21, 2024.
Senate Bill 7: Increases the statutory limits on bonds issued by a township based on township population and purpose of the bond issuance, increasing townships’ ability to access resources for infrastructure and facility improvements.
Senate Bill 88: Ensures the state long-term care ombudsman and regional ombudsman receive memory care training to better serve Kansans with dementia and other memory illnesses.
Senate Bill 175: Modernizes the definition of athletic trainer and provides an exemption for trainers licensed in other states or countries to practice in Kansas.
House Bill 2261: Resolves ambiguity surrounding the classification of Kansas Highway Patrol majors.
