# Can An Emergency Vehicle "Force" You To Break The Law? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 6, 2009, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086 "2009-09-06T20:17:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/1 "2009-09-06T20:17:02Z")
Yes, jurisdictions vary the actual legal authority. **The Setup** A cross intersection. Two lanes both directions, divided roadway (center median strips with curbs) with an additional left turn lane in all directions. Controlled by traffic signals, including left turn arrows. This is a very busy intersection, even on a quiet Sunday. **The Scenario** I witnessed this this morning as I was picking up the Sunday newspaper. I was not in a vehicle and had full view of the entire intersection. **What Happened** The light was green for the cross traffic. Traffic in the primary street was backed up at least five to seven cars in both lanes, in both directions, with at least two cars waiting in the left turn lanes in both directions. Am ambulance running lights and siren approached the intersection in the stopped street. It moved into the left turn lane (behind the two stopped vehicles) and changed the siren to repeated on off use of the siren horn (instead of the usual woo-woo siren). The ambulance driver also laid on his vehicle horn as well. The two stopped turning vehicles were “forced” into making premature left hand turns, while the cross traffic was running and had a green light. This put both drivers into harm’s way. Only after the ambulance was visible to the cross traffic did the cross traffic traffic stop and allow the ambulance through, which did not turn but moved back into the main lane of traffic and proceeded on it way. (The two vehicles waiting to turn – stopped by red arrows/red lights – managed to get through traffic and there were no accidents.) **Questions** Can am emergency vehicle force you to break the law and put you in harm’s way like this? Had a cross traffic vehicle hit a turning vehicle “forced” (intimidated?) into the intersection by the ambulance, would the ambulance be at fault? It has always been my understanding that while every driver must give way to an emergency vehicle (running lights and siren) whenever possible, however, if that is not possible, then either stop right where you are so the emergency vehicle will go around you, or said emergency vehicle must wait until the other vehicles can legally get out of the way. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Great\_Philosopher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3ec8ea/32.png) [@The\_Great\_Philosopher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Great_Philosopher)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/2 "2009-09-06T20:40:56Z")
I don’t think an ambulance can “force” you to do anything, whether it involves breaking the law or not - you don’t legally have to make any effort to facilitate an ambulance’s journey, it’s just obvious that it’s the right thing to do. So I suspect the answer is no: if those cars had decided to sit in front of the ambulance blocking it, there’s nothing the ambulance could do. But given that there could have been someone dying in the back of the ambulance, personally I’d be willing to risk some dodgy driving to let it through. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Great\_Philosopher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3ec8ea/32.png) [@The\_Great\_Philosopher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Great_Philosopher)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/3 "2009-09-06T20:44:16Z")
Having said that I just spoke to a friend who seems to think that it is actually against the law to not make way for an ambulance. I will have to wait for those more knowledgeable than me to come along to find out who’s right. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/4 "2009-09-06T20:47:49Z")
I question the premise that the two cars which turned were breaking the law. Certainly they had a duty to only proceed if it was safe to. I was in a similar situation, stopped at a red once. I made sure it was safe, proceeded through the intersection and pulled over to the [del]left[/del] right and let the ambulance through. I had no fear of getting a ticket (although I guess it was possible). ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/5 "2009-09-06T21:07:43Z")
depends on where you are. you can run red lights if you are in a funeral procession and the lead car went through the intersection. you can run red lights if you make a path for an emergency vehicle doing the siren/lights, you treat it as a yield sign situation. you could get a ticket for not making way for an emergency vehicle, though you might get off claiming you didn’t think you could legally (long chance) or that you didn’t think could safely (better chance). ---
**Author:** ![BorgHunter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@BorgHunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BorgHunter)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/6 "2009-09-06T21:26:35Z")
> [@The\_Great\_Philosopher](#): > > Having said that I just spoke to a friend who seems to think that it is actually against the law to not make way for an ambulance. I will have to wait for those more knowledgeable than me to come along to find out who’s right. 🙂 I can’t speak for all localities, but you are required to yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles in Illinois: > [@](#): > > (625 ILCS 5/11‑907) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑907) > Sec. 11‑907. Operation of vehicles and streetcars on approach of authorized emergency vehicles. > (a) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of this Code or a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible or visual signal, > (1) the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right‑of‑way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right‑hand edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection and shall, if necessary to permit the safe passage of the emergency vehicle, stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/7 "2009-09-06T21:31:34Z")
Here in the U.K., people have been prosecuted for going through red lights to allow emergency vehicles to pass. This has **not** endeared the police to the public. ---
**Author:** ![Uncertain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Uncertain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncertain)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/8 "2009-09-06T21:40:19Z")
> [@johnpost](#): > > depends on where you are. > > you can run red lights if you are in a funeral procession and the lead car went through the intersection. Laws make exceptions for funeral processions? I had assumed that this sort of thing was just a courtesy extended by drivers and law enforcement. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/9 "2009-09-06T21:51:35Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Here in the U.K., people have been prosecuted for going through red lights to allow emergency vehicles to pass. This has **not** endeared the police to the public. Wow. That just boggles my mind. ---
**Author:** ![BorgHunter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@BorgHunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BorgHunter)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/10 "2009-09-06T21:52:54Z")
> [@Uncertain](#): > > Laws make exceptions for funeral processions? I had assumed that this sort of thing was just a courtesy extended by drivers and law enforcement. And just to quote Illinois law again, yes: > [@](#): > > (625 ILCS 5/11‑1420) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1420) > Sec. 11‑1420. Funeral processions. > (a) Funeral processions have the right‑of‑way at intersections when vehicles comprising such procession have their headlights lighted, subject to the following conditions and exceptions: > 1. Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right‑of‑way upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle giving an audible or visible signal; > 2. Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right‑of‑way when directed to do so by a traffic officer; > 3. The operator of the leading vehicle in a funeral procession shall comply with stop signs and traffic control signals but when the leading vehicle has proceeded across an intersection in accordance with such signal or after stopping as required by the stop sign, all vehicles in such procession may proceed without stopping, regardless of the sign or signal and the leading vehicle and the vehicles in procession shall proceed with due caution. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/11 "2009-09-06T22:03:38Z")
Just checked with [Washington State law](http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.035): > [@](#): > > (4) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others. [And here](http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.210): > [@](#): > > (1) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.190, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer. > > ``` > (2) This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway. > > ``` My non-lawyer opinion is the ambulance driver was in the wrong to “force” the drivers to move. I would have sat there and waited until I could legally move. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/12 "2009-09-06T22:10:22Z")
> [@johnpost](#): > > you can run red lights if you are in a funeral procession and the lead car went through the intersection. > [@Uncertain](#): > > Laws make exceptions for funeral processions? I had assumed that this sort of thing was just a courtesy extended by drivers and law enforcement. in my state it is a specific exception that only the lead car has to obey the signal and other drivers cannot disrupt the following cars. ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/13 "2009-09-06T22:14:16Z")
> [@Duckster](#): > > Just checked with [Washington State law](http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.035): > > [And here](http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.210): > > My non-lawyer opinion is the ambulance driver was in the wrong to “force” the drivers to move. > > I would have sat there and waited until I could legally move. :dubious: I don’t see your reasoning. The ambulance driver did not violate provisions (2) and (4), and (1) supports that the drivers were not breaking the law. It’s not like the ambulance physically pushed the cars into the intersection. ---
**Author:** ![Candyman74](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Candyman74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Candyman74)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/14 "2009-09-06T23:32:07Z")
You are not required to put yourself at risk. Making such a turn is not required. You should move aside - if you can - but you should do nothing dangerous. You _should_ yield right of way, and try to accomodate the emergency vehicle’s progress as much as posisble without making any dangerous maneuvers. The exact phrasing of any given jurisdiction’s laws will vary, but all will tend towards saying pretty much that. In practice, you’ll never be prosecuted for such things. Just do what you feel is reasonable. ---
**Author:** ![chaoticbear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f07891/32.png) [@chaoticbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chaoticbear)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/15 "2009-09-06T23:32:12Z")
I don’t know about the legality of the situation, but from a safety standpoint, the two cars turning left should have been OK, right? I imagine the cross traffic should have stopped for the ambulance anyway? (curious to find out the definite legal answer) ---
**Author:** ![Candyman74](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Candyman74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Candyman74)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/16 "2009-09-06T23:36:20Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Here in the U.K., people have been prosecuted for going through red lights to allow emergency vehicles to pass. This has **not** endeared the police to the public. Cite? I find that hard to believe. Maybe it happened once due to poor judgement by some rookie copper and the media kicked up a shitstorm about it, but as a blanket statement I find that very misleading. ---
**Author:** ![IAmNotSpartacus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@IAmNotSpartacus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IAmNotSpartacus)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2009, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/17 "2009-09-07T00:38:34Z")
> [@The\_Great\_Philosopher](#): > > you don’t legally have to make any effort to facilitate an ambulance’s journey, it’s just obvious that it’s the right thing to do. No, actually I am pretty sure it’s the law. There is no doubt that here in California you are **shall** yield right of way. Are you from the US? I have a troubling time believing there is any place in the US does not require motorists to facilitate an ambulance’s journey\* as best they can by yielding rights of way. . . \*A genuine emergency while running a Code 3 with full lights and siren. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2009, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/18 "2009-09-07T00:39:58Z")
Here’s what the Missouri Driver Guide says: > [@](#): > > You must yield the right-of-way to police, fire, ambulance or any other emergency vehicles using a siren or air horen, and a red or blue flashing light. Pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible, when you see or hear and emergency vehicle approaching from any direction. \*If you are in an intersection, drive through the intersection before you pull over. \* Emphasis added. ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2009, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/19 "2009-09-07T01:17:37Z")
While there may be nuances across 65 jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada, in general it’s incorrect to suggest that the driver of an emergency vehicle can compel you to “break the law” – for the simple reason that states’ rules of the road specifically allow for the overriding of an automated traffic control device like a stop sign or traffic light by direction of a police or peace officer or, usually, the direction of an authorized emergency responder in the process of dealing with an emergency. In short, you are not “running a red light” when you obey a policeman’s or fireman’s direction to proceed despite what the light may be stuck on. Likewise, an ambulance, police car, fire engine, or rescue vehicle proceeding “Code 3” (lights and siren) n response to an emergency supersedes obedience to a non-emergency traffic-control device. I recall taking the written test for an operator’s license when we moved here, my New York license having expired so I needed to get a ‘new’ license rather than transferring my NY one. One question was: When if ever is it legal to go through a red light? A. Never B. Whenever it’s safe to do so C. When directed to do so by a peace officer D. After coming to a full stop and yielding to other traffic. The answer, of course, is “C” – it does not specify the “right on red” turn. ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2009, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086/20 "2009-09-07T01:47:08Z")
EMT and fireman checking in, with North Carolina experience. Other jurisdictions YMMV. If I’m running hot and get caught at a traffic light behind traffic, I cannot compel you to make an illegal move to get out of my way. As an ambulance driver, even with a critical patient in back, I’m not going to force the issue if I’m stuck behind you, but I will make some pretty dodgey moves to get around the mass of cars _IF_ I see a hole I can get through. I have run stop lights, but I’ll stop first, then proceed through. I also treat green lights as though they will turn yellow before I get there. A wrecked unit does my patient no good. I will cut people some slack for not yielding if there’s not a safe way to do it, such as in a sharp curve or narrow shoulders, but I also get very POed if there’s a mile of wide straightaway with no oncoming traffic, and they won’t pull over. I have called for police intercepts on both failure to yield (once) and the wake riders (twice), who try to pretend they’re family following behind to take advantage of my lights. The people in the OP made their moves at their own risk, and I would not have moved if I was in their situation. When the light turns green and the intersection clears is the proper time to get out of the way. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-emergency-vehicle-force-you-to-break-the-law/509086.md?page=2)