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Drivers must yield the right of way when an emergency vehicle is passing.
Under California law, when emergency vehicle, like a police vehicle, is sounding a siren and has a lighted lamp with at least one red light, traffic around that vehicle must yield the right of way.
The other drivers must immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb off the highway, clear of any intersection, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Even those driving in exclusive or preferential lanes are applicable to this law. If the exit from the lane can be done safely, the driver must exit that exclusive or preferential use lane.
The law includes pedestrians, who must go to the nearest curb or safe place and stay there until the emergency vehicle passes.
California Highway Patrol in Merced used social media to communicate this to the public. Their hypothetical scenario requires the driver to move to the right and allow the patrol vehicle to pass.
If the patrol vehicle moves to the right with the driver, the driver should continue moving safely to the right and stop on the shoulder.
They add that drivers should not "slam on the brakes," yield to the left unless instructed by the emergency vehicle driver and should not begin moving to the right until it is safe.
Approaching an emergency vehicle that has stopped
When a diver is approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped and has emergency lights on, the approaching vehicle is to approach with caution.
Vehicles should make a lane change into an available lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle. If that option would be unsafe or impracticable, the driver should reduce their speed.
This includes approaching a stationary tow truck displaying amber warning lights or a Department of Transportation vehicle flashing amber warning lights.
Violating this law results in a fine of not more than $50.
According to CHP- Merced, the law is designed to reduce deaths of peace officers, tow truck drivers, paramedics, Cal Trans employees, and other emergency personnel.
