Speeding, passing or intentionally hitting a barrel while in an emergency zone on Missouri highways could lead to new penalties for motorists.
The new law takes effect August 28, and allows an additional fine for violations that occur close to where law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel or tow-truck operators are responding to a roadside issue. Speeding or passing when an emergency responder is present carries a $250 fine for the first offense.
There is also a new offense for endangerment of an emergency responder that includes penalties for speeding by at least 15 mph, passing, using a lane not designated for traffic or intentionally hitting barrels while in an emergency zone. Fines ange from up to $1,000 if no one is injured to $10,000 if a responder is killed.
“The legislation will establish a safety zone around car wrecks and incidents on Missouri’s highways. The intent is to discourage imprudent behavior in these areas where emergency personnel are focused on an incident and not on passing traffic,” Sen. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, said when lawmakers debated the measure.
The bill defines a highway emergency zone as any place where responders are working, as well as the lanes leading to an incident, starting within 300 feet of where it is possible to see traffic control devices or an emergency vehicle with active lights.