Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility PA House OKs bill to allow roadside emergency vehicles to use flashing blue lights for increased safety

PA House OKs bill to allow roadside emergency vehicles to use flashing blue lights for increased safety

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    May 4, 2026 | 4:03 PM

Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation (H.B. 1830), introduced by state Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, to increase safety for roadside assistance vehicles by allowing them to use flashing blue lights while assisting disabled vehicles on the side of the road.

While tow trucks are currently allowed to use flashing blue lights to improve safety, other types of roadside assistance vehicles are prohibited from doing so.

Roadside assistance vehicles attend to disabled vehicles on roadways by delivering fuel, replacing batteries, changing flat tires, and providing other minor services. These services typically take place on the shoulders of busy roads and highways, which, Neilson explained, increases safety risks for all parties.

“Roadside assistance vehicles should be entitled to the same safety measures as tow trucks, who also work on the shoulders of busy roads,” Neilson said. “Flashing blue lights would alert passing motorists to the presence of these vehicles in ample time to make room for workers and drivers of disabled vehicles.”

“Roadside assistance workers performing services while cars pass by at high speeds are at an increased risk of serious or fatal injuries. They deserve the same protections as tow truck drivers, and flashing blue lights would provide motorists with a critical visual cue to slow down and move over,” Freeman said.’

The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.