Relating to: passing certain vehicles stopped on or near a highway and providing a penalty.
SB 409 updates traffic laws to require drivers to exercise caution when approaching stopped emergency or roadside service vehicles, or disabled vehicles (defined as vehicles showing warning lights, flares, or attended by people). Drivers must either safely change lanes away from the stopped vehicle if possible, or slow down and proceed at a reduced speed until clear. The law applies to all drivers approaching these stopped vehicles within 12 feet of a roadway. It creates clear, specific actions for drivers to improve safety around roadside stops without changing existing penalties.
Bill status
failed
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Sep 4, 2025
Last action Mar 23, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
10
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Nov 11, 2025
Upper · Passed
Report passage recommended by Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 8, Noes 0
upper
Sep 4, 2025
Introduced
Introduced by Senators James, Marklein, Roys, Dassler-Alfheim, Spreitzer and Wanggaard;
cosponsored by Representatives Piwowarczyk, Maxey, Behnke, DeSmidt, Dittrich, Duchow, Gundrum, Hysell, Knodl, Kreibich, Penterman, Roe, Snodgrass, Spaude and Steffen
upper
6 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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