VirginiaHB3512026 Regular SessionHouse

Military Affairs, Dept. of, emergency vehicles; equipped with flashing red and white warning lights.

Sponsored By: Michael B. Feggans (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Flashing red and white warning lights; emergency vehicle exemptions; Department of Military Affairs emergency vehicles. Authorizes Department of Military Affairs emergency vehicles to (i) be equipped with flashing, blinking, or alternating red or red and white combination warning lights and (ii) disregard certain regulations regarding the operation of vehicles without being subject to criminal prosecution while responding to an emergency. This bill is identical to SB 573.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More vehicles can use red warning lights

The law names more vehicles as emergency vehicles and lets them use approved red or red‑and‑white warning lights. This includes police, fire, EMS, emergency management, environmental responders, some corrections and detention vehicles, animal wardens, and the Department of Military Affairs and National Guard teams. It also covers WMATA response vehicles and federally certified mine rescue teams; their drivers must take an emergency vehicle operators course and recertify every two years. The Superintendent must approve the light types, which can be built into turn signals or motorcycle headlights.

When emergency vehicles can break traffic rules

The law lets drivers of emergency vehicles, during emergency public service, exceed speed limits, pass in no‑passing zones, and go past red lights or stop signs after slowing to pass safely. They must display flashing red or red‑and‑white lights and usually use a siren, whistle, or air horn. To go past a red light or stop sign, they must show the lights and either use an audible signal or slow, yield, or stop before going. DEQ vehicles going to an emergency may pass stopped or slow traffic off the main roadway without a siren, but must show red or red‑and‑white lights. Police may exceed speed limits when testing speedometers or approved speed devices, or when pacing another vehicle to check its speed. Law‑enforcement funeral, wide‑load, or dignitary escorts can use these traffic exceptions and may use intermittent sirens. These privileges apply only with due regard for safety; reckless conduct can still be charged, civil liability still applies, and vehicles must carry at least $100,000 per person, $300,000 per crash, and $20,000 property‑damage insurance, or be self‑insured.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Michael B. Feggans

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 216 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/24/2026

Passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/19/2026

Reported from Transportation

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote 1/28/2026

Read third time and passed House Block Vote

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote 1/22/2026

Reported from Transportation

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote 1/21/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0118)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 118 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026House
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB351)

    3/3/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB351ER)

    2/26/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    2/26/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    2/26/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    2/26/2026House
  10. Passed Senate Block Vote (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/24/2026Senate
  11. Read third time

    2/24/2026Senate
  12. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/23/2026Senate
  13. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (37-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/23/2026Senate
  14. Rules suspended

    2/23/2026Senate
  15. Reported from Transportation (13-Y 0-N)

    2/19/2026Senate
  16. Referred to Committee on Transportation

    1/29/2026Senate
  17. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    1/29/2026Senate
  18. Read third time and passed House Block Vote (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

    1/28/2026House
  19. Read second time and engrossed

    1/27/2026House
  20. Read first time

    1/26/2026House
  21. Reported from Transportation (21-Y 0-N)

    1/22/2026House
  22. Subcommittee recommends reporting (9-Y 0-N)

    1/21/2026House
  23. Assigned HTRAN sub: Highway Safety and Policy

    1/19/2026House
  24. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB351)

    1/15/2026House
  25. Referred to Committee on Transportation

    1/12/2026House

Bill Text

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