Frankfort, Kentucky – House Local Government Committee Chair Patrick Flannery of Olive Hill and State Representative Richard White of Morehead plan to reintroduce a bill like HB 115 from the 2025 Regular Session. The measure would allow wreckers, commonly known as tow trucks, to be equipped with one or more flashing, rotating, or oscillating blue lights.
“Every year, many tow truck drivers are killed or injured while helping stranded motorists,” White stated. “This legislation is a vital step to protect these heroes and make their jobs safer.”
In addition, the measure would stipulate when the blue lights could be used. Under the measure, a tow truck driver would be able to use the blue lights when removing a vehicle or debris from a highway but would be prohibited from using them while towing a vehicle on a highway.
“Our bill proposal would enhance visibility, alert approaching motorists, and ultimately help workforce safety,” Flannery said. “This small change would have a massive impact, directly contributing to the well-being of the dedicated men and women who work on our roads, ensuring they can get home to their families at the end of the day.”
HB 115 25RS was initially filed following the September 2024 death of Troy Caldwell, a 54-year-old tow truck driver working on Interstate 64.
Lawmakers are in the 2025 Interim, a crucial period for preparing for the upcoming 2026 Regular Session. During this time, legislative committees are meeting monthly to discuss and plan new legislation. The proposal relating to protections for tow truck drivers was presented by Rep. Flannery and Rep. White before the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation during its September meeting.
For additional information on the work being done during the interim or for meeting materials, visitlegislature.ky.gov.
