SB 620 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Exempting certain physicians from specified traffic laws when responding to emergencies

This bill allows licensed physicians in West Virginia to operate designated large medical vehicles with red flashing warning lights during medical emergencies, similar to ambulances and fire trucks. It requires the West Virginia Board of Medicine and Board of Osteopathic Medicine to create and manage programs designating which physicians' vehicles qualify as emergency vehicles. Physicians using these designated vehicles would be exempt from standard traffic laws (like speed limits) while responding to emergencies. The medical boards must propose specific rules for legislative approval before implementing this program.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 27, 2026 Last action Feb 3, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced Version → Committee Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was significantly expanded from a simple exemption for physicians to a comprehensive program allowing doctors to operate large Class A vehicles (like fire trucks) as emergency vehicles. The new version establishes a formal application and renewal process, sets specific rules for when sirens and lights can be used, and creates a fee structure to cover administrative costs. It also clarifies that the exemption does not protect doctors from liability if they drive recklessly.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a general traffic law exemption to a specific, regulated program authorizing the use of Class A vehicles (previously restricted to fire and police) by physicians.

SCOPE

Physicians are now authorized to operate Class A vehicles (such as fire trucks) as emergency vehicles, in addition to their existing exemptions.

REQUIREMENT

A formal 'Physician's Authorized Emergency Vehicle Program' was created, requiring doctors to apply for and renew authorization every five years.

New rules mandate that audible signals and red lights may only be used while responding to an emergency, not when returning home.

FISCAL

The medical boards are authorized to charge application and renewal fees to cover the cost of administering the program.

ENFORCEMENT

The bill explicitly states that operating under this program does not relieve the driver of the duty to drive with due regard for safety and does not protect against reckless disregard.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 3, 2026

Committee

To Finance

upper

Feb 3, 2026

Committee

Committee substitute reported, but first to Finance

upper

Jan 27, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in Senate

upper

1 primary · 2 co-sponsors