Relating generally to traffic safety
HB 2344 requires drivers approaching stationary vehicles displaying warning lights (like emergency flashers, flares, or hazard lights) to either safely change lanes away from the vehicle or reduce speed to 15 mph on nondivided roads and 25 mph on divided highways. Violations carry fines up to $500, jail time up to 60 days, and license suspensions that increase with severity: 90 days for property damage, six months for injuries, and two years for fatalities. The law directly affects all drivers in West Virginia who encounter stationary vehicles with warning signals, such as construction crews or emergency responders. It becomes effective July 11, 2025, following its passage on April 12, 2025.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
Jul 2025
Introduced Feb 13, 2025
Signed Jul 31, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 4 comparisons
What changed between versions
hb2344 s t_i am _1 4-7 adopted.htm
→
hb2344 s trn amt _1 4-7 adopted.htm
·
3 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to replace the entire original text with a new version that changes the bill's title and removes the detailed provisions about approaching stationary emergency vehicles. The original text contained specific requirements for drivers when approaching emergency vehicles, including speed limits and penalty provisions, which are no longer included in this amended version.
Scope change
The bill's scope was significantly reduced as the substantive provisions regarding driver behavior near stationary emergency vehicles were removed entirely.
SCOPE
The bill's title was changed from 'T&I AM' to 'TRN AMT' and now includes a formal description of the bill's purpose in the title.
REQUIREMENT
All substantive provisions requiring drivers to take specific actions when approaching stationary emergency vehicles were removed, including speed limits and lane change requirements.
ENFORCEMENT
All penalty provisions including fines, jail time, and driving privilege suspensions for violations were removed.
Floor votes · Senate Apr 11, 2025 · House of Delegates Feb 28, 2025
How they voted
33–0
Passed
Total votes 33
Apr 11, 2025
D
Democratic2
100% Yea
R
Republican31
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
43
Key actions
10
Committee
5
Apr 25, 2025
Signed into law
Approved by Governor 4/25/2025
lower
Apr 12, 2025
Signed into law
Approved by Governor 4/25/2025 - Senate Journal
upper
Apr 12, 2025
Signed into law
Approved by Governor 4/25/2025 - House Journal
lower
Apr 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 586)
lower
Apr 11, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 471)
upper
Apr 10, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)
upper
Apr 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment Reported
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported do pass with amend and title amend but first to Judiciary
upper
Mar 3, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Feb 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed House (Roll No. 17)
lower
Feb 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Do pass
lower
Feb 13, 2025
Committee
To House Energy and Public Works
lower
Feb 13, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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