OH HB172

Amends motor vehicle traffic law to add "highway maintenance vehicle" as a defined term referring to vehicles used in snow/ice removal or road surface maintenance, including snow plows, traffic line stripers, road sweepers, mowing machines, and asphalt distributors.

Requires drivers approaching stationary public safety vehicles, emergency vehicles, road service vehicles, or highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing/rotating lights to either change lanes away from the vehicle (if safe and on multi-lane highway) or reduce speed and proceed with caution.

Exempts highway maintenance vehicle drivers performing official duties on equipped vehicles with operating flashing lights from criminal prosecution for certain traffic violations including speeding and traffic control device violations, though civil liability remains.

Allows highway maintenance vehicles to display flashing amber warning lights when used on streets or highways for maintenance purposes.

Repeals a scheduled version of traffic code section 4511.01 set to take effect January 1, 2017, and makes related amendments to definitions and penalties for traffic offenses.