When should I yield to emergency vehicles? What Texas law says
.jpg "Ambulances and other emergency vehicles are allowed to break traffic laws to respond to emergencies.")
The second you hear sirens blaring from behind your driver’s seat, you have to react fast to allow for ambulances to speed by.
At certain times, the situation can be difficult to read. But these occurrences are not uncommon, and it’s crucial for emergency vehicles to make it to the scene fast and safely.
Knowing how to react in these instances can save your life or someone else’s. Here’s what the Texas law says when approached by emergency vehicles and some tips on how to handle it.
Which emergency vehicles should you avoid?
According to Texas Heritage Living, these are considered emergency vehicles:
Ambulances
Fire Trucks
Police vehicles
Utility service vehicles
Highway work crews
Tow trucks
Texas Transportation Code says that emergency vehicles are allowed to:
Park or stand in a fire line or loading zone.
Go past a stop sign or red light, or stop signal with a slower speed.
Exceed a maximum speed limit, as long as no life or property is put in danger.
Not follow the direction of movement or correctly turn.
When should I pull over for emergency vehicles?
Emergency vehicles are only allowed to break traffic laws in specific situations. Texas Transportation Code says these instances are okay:
Responding to a 9-1-1 call.
Pursuing someone who broke the law.
Responding (not returning from) a fire alarm.
Directing or diverting traffic for public safety purposes.
Conducting a police escort for a funeral, oversized or hazardous load or public safety reasons.
First responders who break the law in these situations must have their sirens activated or their red and blue lights, according to the law.
If approached by one of these audible or visible signals, you should pull over for an emergency vehicle. According to the City of Cleveland:
Carefully shift to the right of the road to stop and get out of their way.
Do not make any dramatic movements.
If at an intersection, stay stopped until they pass.
How closely can I follow an emergency vehicle?
According to the Texas Transportation Code, you should not follow an emergency vehicle closer than 500 feet, especially if their lights are on.
What if there is an emergency vehicle on the other side of the road?
Texas law also applies this law to emergency vehicles that are on the other side of the road.
According to Joint Base San Antonio, “Texas law requires drivers to pull over to the right until the vehicle passes, no matter which direction it’s coming from.
If you cannot come to a complete stop, it is wise to slow down to at least 20 mph.
Texas has also implemented the “Move Over or Slow Down” law, which encourages drivers to leave at least a lane of space between their car and upcoming construction workers, first responders, and TxDot personnel. If the driver cannot move right, they say to slow to at most 20 mph.
Can you be penalized for not pulling over or following too closely?
Failing to pull over or tailgating an emergency vehicle can get you a citation. Texas Heritage Family says the fine for pulling over can be around $200. However, if you cause an accident or harm in any way, tickets can be up to $2,000.
This story was originally published November 7, 2024 at 3:53 PM.