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SB 56 (2018) - Doverstreet_user - 06-12-2019
S.B. 56
VEHICLE PLATOONING AMENDMENTS
2018 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Wayne A. Harper
House Sponsor: Kay J. Christofferson
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill modifies provisions of the Traffic Code related to safe following distance.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
- defines "connected platooning system";
- provides an exemption to a minimum following distance requirement for the operator of a vehicle that is part of a connected platooning system; and
- makes technical and conforming changes.
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
41-6a-711, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2015, Chapters 277 and 412
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 41-6a-711 is amended to read:
41-6a-711. Following another vehicle -- Safe distance -- Exceptions -- Penalty.
(1) As used in this section, "connected platooning system" means a system that uses
vehicle-to-vehicle communication to electronically coordinate the speed and braking of a lead
vehicle with the speed and braking of one or more following vehicles.
(2) The operator of a vehicle:
(a) may not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having
regard for the:
(i) speed of the vehicles;
(ii) traffic upon the highway; and
(iii) condition of the highway; and
(b) shall follow at a distance so that at least two seconds elapse before reaching the
location of the vehicle directly in front of the operator's vehicle.
(3) Subsection (2)(b) does not apply to:
(a) funeral processions or to congested traffic conditions resulting in prevailing vehicle
speeds of less than 35 miles per hour; or
(b) the operator of a vehicle that is:
(i) part of a connected platooning system; and
(ii) not the lead vehicle.
(4) A violation of Subsection (2) is an infraction.