HB 1161 Georgia House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Motor vehicles; proper operation upon approach by an authorized emergency vehicle or by a law enforcement vehicle for purposes of a traffic stop; provide

Summary
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic, so as to provide for proper operation of a motor vehicle upon approach by an authorized emergency vehicle or by a law enforcement vehicle for purposes of a traffic stop; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Signed May 12, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

LC 39 4819/a HB 1161/AP* · 5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was updated to reflect its passage by both the House and Senate, and the text was expanded to include new provisions for penalties based on the distance a driver flees during a traffic stop, stricter rules on window tinting, and new standards for automated traffic enforcement devices. These changes aim to clarify enforcement procedures, increase penalties for dangerous evasion, and modernize regulations regarding traffic monitoring technology.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include specific penalties for fleeing police based on distance traveled, revised window tinting rules, and new requirements for automated traffic enforcement devices and revenue reporting.
ENFORCEMENT

Added new penalties that calculate imprisonment time based on the number of miles a driver flees or attempts to elude a law enforcement officer.

Added stricter rules prohibiting the suspension or reduction of sentences for specific traffic evasion offenses.

REQUIREMENT

Added provisions to modify permissible window tinting (light transmission) for certain motor vehicles.

Added new requirements for the placement, permitting, annual revenue reporting, and civil penalty notices for automated traffic enforcement safety devices.

TECHNICAL

Updated the bill title and header to indicate it has passed both the House and Senate.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 31, 2026 · House Feb 19, 2026

How they voted

412
Passed · 4 other
Total votes 47
Mar 31, 2026
D Democratic18
14 Yea 1 Nay 3
77% Yea
R Republican29
27 Yea 1 Nay 1
93% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
16
Key actions
6
Committee
3
Amendments
2
May 12, 2026
Signed into law
Act 640
upper
May 12, 2026
Signed into law
House Date Signed by Governor
lower
Apr 2, 2026
Introduced
Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub
upper
Apr 2, 2026
Introduced
House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub As Amended
lower
Mar 31, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
upper
Mar 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
upper
Feb 20, 2026
Committee
Senate Read and Referred
upper
Feb 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
House Passed/Adopted
lower
Feb 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
House Committee Favorably Reported
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
House Hopper
lower
6 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors