House Bill 282 Seeks Rear Blue Lights for Tow Trucks

For the second time, House Bill 282 — known as “Troy’s Law” — has been introduced in Frankfort, Kentucky but it has yet to be heard in committee.

The bill continues to gain support and now has more than 15 co-sponsors. Still, it faces opposition from some law enforcement organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, as well as individuals like John Blanton. Supporters say concerns about misuse are unfounded because the proposal would only allow rear-facing blue lights strictly for roadside safety, not to grant authority or interfere with law enforcement.

Bubba Johnson, owner of Bubba’s Towing and Recovery, says the lack of progress is frustrating. “I just really wish the state would show up for the towing industry,” Johnson said.

If passed, the bill would allow tow truck drivers to activate rear-facing blue lights while responding to roadside scenes, improving visibility for approaching drivers.

That visibility can mean the difference between life and death. In September 2024, Troy Caldwell of Jerry’s Towing was struck and killed by a semi-truck while working on I-64.

“We worked together five years. He was like a brother,” said owner Jerry Cantrell, who now runs the company alone.

“If you just save one person, it’s worth it,” Cantrell said, urging drivers to slow down and move over. Source: https://www.wkyt.com