Bill > AB438

This bill amends Section 2416 of the Vehicle Code to expand the types of vehicles that can receive an authorized emergency vehicle permit from the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision (subsection 11) that allows emergency vehicle permits for vehicles owned by a county, city, or city and county office of emergency services, but only when the vehicle is being used by a public employee from that office to respond to disasters. These disasters are broadly defined and include events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and hazardous materials spills. The bill maintains the existing requirement that the Commissioner must find the vehicle is used for responding to emergencies, preserving life or property, or apprehending law violators. The amendment provides additional flexibility for local emergency services offices by allowing them to use their vehicles with emergency vehicle status during critical response situations. The bill continues to give the Commissioner the authority to adopt and enforce regulations related to these emergency vehicle permits, with violations of such regulations remaining classified as misdemeanors.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB438