State Representative Marvin Lim (D-Norcross) recently applauded the final passage of House Bill 1161, which makes several updates to enhance roadway safety, clarify enforcement standards, and implement measures affecting drivers, law enforcement, and pedestrians.
Rep. Lim pointed to road safety as Georgia’s top transportation issue and the need for consistent code. He thanked the Gwinnett County Police Department for their input and expressed optimism regarding the bill’s success.
“Road safety is our top transportation issue, and clarity and consistency in our laws of the road lead to safer, more equitable outcomes for all involved, including drivers, law enforcement, and bystanders,” said Rep. Lim. “I want to thank Sgt. Michael Etheridge from the Gwinnett County Police Department for his expertise on traffic stop safety; this bill would not have started without him. I look forward to seeing this legislation signed into law.”
House Bill 1161
HB 1161 would first require drivers to move over to the furthest right-hand side of the roadway, if safe, when stopped by law enforcement. Its second objective is to create a quantifiable standard for sentencing under existing laws regarding fleeing from state law enforcement.
The legislation would also require updates to automated traffic enforcement safety devices in school zones. Specifically, these devices would be required to display an accurate depiction of the driver’s speed and would have to display yellow flashing lights for when the device is operable to issue citations.
Local governing bodies that apply for a permit to place these devices upon any highway with more than two lanes must also demonstrate a prior history that justifies such a need.
Permits, however, would not be issued for highways with four lanes that do not have a crosswalk, further incentivizing “safe street” design features to complement enforcement.
Governing bodies that utilize such devices would also be required to submit an annual report on the revenue generated to the Department of Public Safety.
Rep. Marvin Lim Applauds Final Passage of Traffic Safety Legislation by the Georgia General Assembly. Read more here: https://t.co/uBwVWYYODU #gapol #gahouse
— Georgia House of Representatives (@GaHouseHub) April 6, 2026
