Everything Texas Hospitals Need to Know About SB 660 and Emergency Room Safety Barriers
Texas hospitals are facing a pivotal change. Senate Bill 660 (SB 660) is now law, requiring most emergency rooms across the state to install physical vehicle barriers at ER entrances exposed to vehicular traffic. This law emerged after a devastating crash in Austin where a drunk driver rammed into an ER lobby, resulting in tragic injuries and a death. In response, Texas has taken decisive action: vehicle crash protection for ERs is no longer optional.
For hospital administrators, architects, and safety officers, this is more than compliance—it’s about safeguarding vulnerable spaces where people come for care. The deadline? Full compliance is required by January 1, 2026. The smartest move now? Start planning.
Why SB 660 Matters: Crashes Are Rare, But Devastating
Every day in the U.S., over 100 vehicles crash into buildings. In Texas alone, more than 100 vehicle-into-building crashes have struck medical facilities since 2014. While ERs aren’t the most common targets, when these incidents happen, the results are catastrophic. The Austin crash in February 2024 was a grim reminder: five people injured, a child among them, and one life lost.
SB 660 directly addresses this vulnerability. It mandates crash-rated bollards or comparable barriers at ER entrances adjacent to traffic zones—driveways, drop-off areas, parking lots. These barriers stop vehicles before they reach hospital doors. The intent is simple: prevent the preventable.
What SB 660 Requires
The bill amends the Texas Health and Safety Code to require:
- Installation of crash-rated bollards or equivalent barriers at any ER entrance where a vehicle could reach the door.
- Barriers must be able to stop a moving vehicle—not just decorative or symbolic.
- Maintenance is mandatory; hospitals must ensure these barriers remain effective.
Exemptions: Facilities in counties with populations under 68,750 and certain small or rural hospitals (like critical access hospitals or sole community hospitals) may be exempt. Everyone else? This is now part of your safety plan.
Crash-Rated Bollards: The Frontline of ER Protection
At the heart of SB 660 are crash-rated bollards. These are not the lightweight posts you see outside retail stores. We’re talking about steel-and-concrete barriers engineered to ASTM standards like F3016 or F2656, capable of halting a 5,000-lb vehicle moving at speed.
ANNT Bollards specializes in precisely these solutions. Our crash-rated systems are field-tested and designed to meet stringent safety standards without compromising architectural beauty. In fact, our planter-style crash-rated bollards offer a best-of-both-worlds solution—military-grade impact protection with a welcoming aesthetic. 
Want bollards that blend with your landscaping while meeting the code? We’ve got you covered.
Your Compliance Checklist
- Determine if SB 660 applies to you. If you’re a general or special hospital in Texas with ERs exposed to vehicles, assume it does.
- Identify vulnerable entrances. Walk the campus. Where can a car reach an ER door? Those spots need barriers.
- Select your solution. Choose crash-rated bollards or a comparable system. Decorative is fine—if it’s engineered for impact.
- Budget and schedule. The deadline is January 1, 2026. Start planning now to avoid contractor delays and supply chain crunches.
Document and inspect. Keep installation records, specs, and maintenance plans. You’ll need them for inspections and audits.
Why ANNT Bollards?
We’re not just a supplier—we’re a safety partner. With experience in perimeter security across healthcare, retail, and government sectors, ANNT Bollards delivers solutions that are engineered for performance and designed for people.
Whether it’s a row of minimalist steel posts or a series of ornamental planter bollards that match your architecture, our team ensures you meet Texas SB 660 hospital bollard requirements with confidence.
Act Now
Don’t wait until the deadline looms—protect your ER, your license, and most importantly, your community.
Contact ANNT Bollards Today
Your ER is a place of healing. Let’s keep it that way.
Visit www.anntbollards.com or call us at 1-844-891-8559.