HB2232: Crashes on HOT lanes under construction; if no apparent bodily injuries, drivers must move vehicles.

HOUSE BILL NO. 2232
Offered January 14, 2009
Prefiled January 14, 2009
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 33.1-56.2:1, relating to traffic accidents on certain high-occupancy toll lane facilities; civil penalty.
Patron-- Marsden
Committee Referral Pending

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 33.1-56.2:1 as follows:

33.1-56.2:1. Certain vehicles to move to designated pull-off areas in the event of a crash; civil penalty.

In the event of vehicle crash on a HOT lane under construction on any portion of the Capital Beltway where the shoulders of the highway are being or have been removed, the driver of every vehicle involved in the crash shall, as expeditiously as possible, move his vehicle to the nearest designated pull-off area. This requirement shall only apply when vehicles involved in the crash are capable of movement and the crash does not appear to have caused any bodily injuries. Failure of the operator of any vehicle involved in any such crash to move his vehicle to the nearest designated pull-off area shall be punishable by a civil penalty of $100, to be paid into the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund.

The Virginia Department of Transportation shall post the requirements of this section on signs located along the Capital Beltway in Virginia where HOT lanes are under construction .

2. That the provisions of this act shall expire when HOT lane on the Capital Beltway in Virginia is completed and the Virginia Department of Transportation accepts the project.