OH SB123

Allows emergency personnel in public safety vehicles to report license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions to law enforcement when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way and impedes emergency response.

Law enforcement may investigate the report and must issue a written warning or citation if the operator is identified, or issue a written warning to the vehicle owner if the operator cannot be identified.

Violations reported under this provision are classified as minor misdemeanors with a $150 fine, reduced from the standard fourth-degree misdemeanor penalty for failing to yield to emergency vehicles.

Requires emergency personnel to appear in court and testify in person if a defendant contests the citation rather than entering a guilty plea or waiving the right to contest.

Excludes unmarked vehicles and vehicles used by individual law enforcement officers from the definition of "public safety vehicle" that can file such reports.