Bill
Bill > SB409
summary
Introduced
09/04/2025
09/04/2025
In Committee
11/11/2025
11/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, commonly referred to as the Xmove over or slow downY law, if an authorized emergency vehicle or roadside service vehicle is parked or standing (stopped) on or within 12 feet of a roadway, the operator of another vehicle approaching the stopped vehicle must proceed with due regard for all other traffic and do either of the following: 1) if the roadway has at least two lanes in the applicable direction of travel, move into a lane that is not nearest the stopped vehicle; or 2) if the roadway has only one lane in the applicable direction of travel or if changing lanes cannot be done safely, slow down while passing the stopped vehicle. Under this bill, an operator approaching a disabled vehicle must also move over or slow down. XDisabled vehicleY is defined for purposes of the bill as a motor vehicle that is stopped and to which any of the following apply: 1. The motor vehicle is displaying warning or hazard lights. 2. Emergency flares or other emergency warning devices are placed near the motor vehicle. LRB-4023/1 EVM:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 409 3. One or more persons are attending the motor vehicle and visible to passing motorists.
AI Summary
This bill expands Wisconsin's existing "move over or slow down" law to include disabled vehicles in addition to emergency and roadside service vehicles. Currently, drivers must change lanes or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles, and this bill now requires the same behavior when encountering a disabled vehicle. A "disabled vehicle" is specifically defined as a stopped motor vehicle that is: 1) displaying warning or hazard lights, 2) has emergency flares or warning devices near it, or 3) has one or more people visibly attending to the vehicle. The bill modifies existing traffic law by updating the section title, redefining vehicle terminology, and inserting language that explicitly includes disabled vehicles in the requirement to either move to an adjacent lane (if two or more lanes are available and it can be done safely) or slow down to a safe speed when passing. This change aims to enhance safety for motorists who are experiencing vehicle problems and are stopped on or near a roadway.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (21)
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D)*,
Jesse James (R)*,
Howard Marklein (R)*,
Kelda Roys (D)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D)*,
Van Wanggaard (R)*,
Elijah Behnke (R),
Ben DeSmidt (D),
Barbara Dittrich (R),
Cindi Duchow (R),
Rick Gundrum (R),
Andrew Hysell (D),
Dan Knodl (R),
Rob Kreibich (R),
Dave Maxey (R),
William Penterman (R),
Jim Piwowarczyk (R),
Ann Roe (D),
Lee Snodgrass (D),
Ryan Spaude (D),
David Steffen (R),
Last Action
Senator Ratcliff added as a coauthor (on 11/18/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb409 |
| SB409 ROCP for Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/judiciary_and_public_safety/1953719.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB409.pdf |
Loading...