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Bill > AB203
WI AB203
WI AB203Limiting liability relating to traffic control devices for manufacturers and others.
summary
Introduced
04/23/2025
04/23/2025
In Committee
04/23/2025
04/23/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides that the manufacturer, distributor, seller, installer, or owner of a traffic control device is not liable for damages arising from the design, manufacture, distribution, or installation of a traffic control device, if the device complies with specifications established in the traffic control devices manual adopted by the Department of Transportation and and operates as intended. Under the bill, the manufacturer, distributor, seller, installer, and owner enjoy a rebuttable presumption that the traffic control device complied with the traffic control devices manual if the manufacturer, distributor, seller, installer, or owner can demonstrate that the device was designed, manufactured, distributed, and installed in accordance with the applicable standards and guidelines and that any deviations from the specifications were expressly authorized in writing by DOT or the appropriate local authorities. Under the bill, the limitation of liability applies to any claim for personal injury, property damage, or other loss arising out of the use of a traffic control device, including claims of negligence, strict liability, and breach of warranty. The limitation of liability does not apply if the claimant establishes that the traffic control device to which the damages are attributable did not, at the time that the damages occurred, comply with the specifications established in the traffic control devices manual or operate as intended.
AI Summary
This bill creates legal protections for manufacturers, distributors, sellers, installers, and owners of traffic control devices (such as signs, signals, markings, and other devices used to communicate traffic information) by limiting their liability for damages. Under the proposed law, these parties would not be held responsible for damages arising from the design, manufacture, distribution, or installation of a traffic control device if the device complies with specifications in the Department of Transportation's traffic control devices manual and operates as intended. The bill applies to all types of claims, including negligence, strict liability, and breach of warranty. However, if a claimant can clearly demonstrate that the traffic control device did not meet the manual's specifications or did not operate as intended at the time of the incident, the liability protection would not apply. Additionally, there is a legal presumption that the traffic control device complied with the manual if the manufacturer or other parties can show that the device was designed and installed according to established standards and any deviations were expressly authorized in writing by the Department of Transportation or local authorities. This legislation aims to provide clarity and protection for entities involved in creating and maintaining traffic control devices.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (8)
Robert Donovan (R)*,
Benjamin Franklin (R)*,
Dan Knodl (R)*,
Jerry O'Connor (R)*,
John Spiros (R)*,
Dan Feyen (R),
Cory Tomczyk (R),
Van Wanggaard (R),
Last Action
Read first time and referred to Committee on Judiciary (on 04/23/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab203 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB203.pdf |
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