By: Goldman, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Hinojosa) H.B. No. 1249 (In the Senate - Received from the House May 8, 2017; May 8, 2017, read first time and referred to Committee on Transportation; May 15, 2017, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 6, Nays 0; May 15, 2017, sent to printer.)Click here to see the committee vote A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a prohibition of certain motor vehicles resembling emergency medical services vehicles; creating a criminal offense. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 773.017 to read as follows: Sec. 773.017. USE OF CERTAIN EXTERNAL MOTOR VEHICLE MARKINGS OR FEATURES PROHIBITED; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) A person may not operate a motor vehicle in this state that resembles an emergency medical services vehicle unless the person uses the motor vehicle: (1) as an emergency medical services vehicle under this chapter; or (2) for other legitimate governmental functions, including police or firefighting services. (b) A motor vehicle resembles an emergency medical services vehicle if the motor vehicle has on the exterior of the motor vehicle any of the following markings or features: (1) the word "ambulance" or a derivation of that word; (2) a star of life as trademarked by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; (3) a Maltese cross commonly used by fire departments; (4) forward-facing flashing red, white, or blue lights; (5) a siren; (6) the words "critical care transport," "emergency," "emergency medical services," or "mobile intensive care unit"; or (7) the acronym "EMS" or "MICU". (c) A person commits an offense if the person violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor. (d) This section does not apply to a motor vehicle bearing a license plate issued or approved under Section 504.501 or 504.502, Transportation Code. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. * * * * *