Every state has its own laws with regard to emergency vehicles that are approaching a motorist. In California, that law is found at CVC 21806. Drivers have to yield to an emergency vehicle when it is sounding a siren and has at least one red light illuminated that is visible at 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle.
Compliance
Drivers comply with the law by pulling over as far right on the roadway as possible. They have to stop without blocking an intersection to allow the emergency vehicle to pass. If the driver is in an exclusive or preferential lane of traffic, he or she must exit that lane as soon as it’s reasonably safe to do so.
The Duty of a Pedestrian
Any pedestrians who might be on the road must yield by going to the nearest curb or place of safety. They must remain there until such time as the emergency vehicle has passed.
Violations of 21806
You don’t want to get caught failing to comply with section 21806. The legislature set the minimum fine at $410.
The Emergency Vehicle Operator Exemption
Everybody who operates a vehicle on a California roadway must drive defensively. Additionally, they need to maintain the ability to recognize and respond to possible hazards. That includes drivers of emergency vehicles too, unless that driver is responding to an emergency call, engaged in a rescue operation or in immediate pursuit of a vehicle suspected of being involved in a crime. It’s only under those three circumstances that drivers of emergency vehicles are exempt from various provisions of the California Vehicle Code. Those immunities are pursuant to CVC 21055. However their light or lights must be on, and they have to be sounding a siren.
Be Ready to Pull Over to the Right
Music can be a big distraction in a people’s vehicles. Also, they could be on a cell phone call or they could just be daydreaming. If they hear a siren, they need to determine which direction it’s coming from. If they see emergency lights approaching from any direction, they must be ready to pull over and stop. Most emergency drivers in California are well-trained. They’re aware of the fact that not all drivers on the roadway are going to see or hear them until they’re nearly on top of another driver. The law is extremely clear when sirens and red emergency lights are on. If there’s no emergency, drivers of emergency vehicles are subject to the same traffic laws as everybody else.
Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer
If you are a private citizen, a paramedic or a firefighter and you were injured in an emergency or non-emergency traffic crash while on duty as a result of the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, contact us at Maison Law for a free consultation and case review. You can tell us what happened and how it happened, and we can advise you of the applicable California law that governs your rights and legal options. There’s no obligation, and if you retain us, there’s no initial retainer fee. The California legislature may have imposed shorter than usual time limits in your particular circumstances, so contact us right away.
