Pennsylvania: Freeman Bill Would Allow Blue Safety Lights on Roadside Assistance Vehicles
Currently in Pennsylvania, state law only allows vehicles identified as “tow trucks” to operate blue lights while the truck is stationary on the side of the road or highway while responding to a disabled vehicle. The flashing blue lights are a safety warning intended to capture the attention of motorists so that they provide ample room to the responders providing roadside assistance.
“Although AAA Club light duty trucks do not have towing capabilities, they are regularly performing winch outs, which utilize a motorized axle with a cable or rope to pull a vehicle out of a stuck position, such as mud, snow, or other difficult terrains. This method is distinct from towing, as it involves using controlled force to extract the vehicle rather than moving it,” said Freeman, D-Northampton.
Freeman introduced H.B. 1830 to extend to light duty service trucks the same ability — as presently provided to tow trucks — to display blue lights on their light bar and taillights while they are stationary on the side of the road rendering assistance.
“The fleet of roadside assistance vehicles operated by AAA Clubs provide multiple forms of assistance to stranded motorists including fuel delivery, flat tire replacement, and battery replacement, among others. It is imperative that roadside assistance vehicles be provided the same opportunity to operate blue safety lights as they carry out their often hazardous duties in aiding stranded motorists along Pennsylvania roads and highways,” he said.
Freeman learned of the narrow interpretation of state law regarding blue safety lights from the Northampton County AAA Club, which is active in his district.
House Bill 1830 was referred to the House Transportation Committee for consideration.