BILL ANALYSIS
AB 584
Page 1
Date of Hearing: April 27, 2009
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Mike Eng, Chair
AB 584 (Huber) - As Introduced: February 25, 2009
SUBJECT : Emergency Vehicles: Windshield or side window view
SUMMARY : Exempts emergency vehicles from the prohibition
against affixing any object or material upon a windshield or
side window, if it does not interfere with the driver's clear
view of approaching traffic.
EXISTING LAW
1)Prohibits a person from driving any motor vehicle with any
object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or
applied upon the windshield and provides an exception for the
following:
a) Rearview mirrors;
b) Sun visors that are not mounted on the windshield glass;
c) Electronic toll communication devices affixed to the
center uppermost portion of the interior of the windshield
within an area that is not greater than 5 inches square
(e.g., FasTrak transponders);
d) Transparent material applied to the top most portion of
the windshield (i.e., tinting); and,
e) Stickers that are displayed in the 7-inch square in the
lower corner farthest removed from the driver or in the
5-inch square in the lower corner nearest the driver (e.g.,
parking and oil change decals).
2)Exempts sun screening devices meeting specified requirements
when used under the direction of a physician or surgeon.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown
COMMENTS : According to the sponsor, the Peace Officers Research
Association of California (PORAC), "many emergency vehicles may
have video cameras, video monitors, Lojack auto tracking
AB 584
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devices, Pronet robbery tracking devices or other items affixed
to windows or side mirrors that aid public safety officers in
daily activities."
PORAC adds that "existing law must be clarified to ensure that
emergency vehicles may be equipped with the necessary safety
tolls officers need to effectively protect the public."
Committee comments :
1)There are various forms of mounting devices used to affixed
items to windshields and windows. These mounting devices can
include suction cups or a form of adhesive. Often times, a
device secured by a suction cup or adhesive could become
unattached in a traffic collision turning the device into a
dangerous projectile.
2)This bill provides an exemption only if the object or material
affixed to a windshield or window does not interfere with the
driver's clear view of approaching traffic, but does not
prohibit an obstruction from the driver's peripheral vision.
Interfering with peripheral vision may reduce overall
awareness of surrounding vehicles and pedestrians.
3)Currently there are mounting options for cameras and auto
theft detection systems that are in compliance with current
law. These options include ceiling mounting and dash mounting
in places that do not interfere with the driver's view through
the windshield (i.e. lower corner of the windshield closest to
the driver).
4)Many law enforcement agencies that use devices such as cameras
or auto theft detection devices do so while being in
compliance with current law. There is no pronounced evidence
to suggest that law enforcement agencies have had difficulty
meeting existing requirements.
Unfortunately, the committee was unable to ascertain compelling
reasons why the special exemption should be authorized.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
AB 584
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Peace Officer's Research Association of California (Sponsor)
Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs
Los Angeles Police Protective League
Riverside Sheriffs' Association
Opposition
None received
Analysis Prepared by : Alejandro Esparza / TRANS. / (916)
319-2093