Emergency vehicle drivers may pass signals and exceed speed limits

Authorized emergency vehicle drivers and on-duty bicycle officers may pass stop signals and exceed speed limits. The provisions cover authorized emergency vehicle drivers and peace officers riding police bicycles in the line of duty. A driver may pass a red or stop signal or stop sign only after slowing to a speed the driver considers safe based on information available at the time. A driver may exceed the speed limit only if the driver does not recklessly endanger life or property. These permissions exclude drivers of towing vehicles designated as authorized emergency vehicles.

Emergency vehicle drivers generally must use a warning sound or an authorized visual signal to receive the listed exemptions. The general warning-signal rule covers authorized emergency vehicles and the listed fire, police, rescue, ambulance, emergency medical services, and emergency management vehicles. The exceptions described here apply to authorized emergency vehicle drivers. A peace or reserve peace officer may use the speed-limit exemption without warning signals for the shortest distance needed to measure a suspected speed violator’s speed, or when the officer reasonably believes warning the person could lead to evidence being destroyed, escape, or danger to the public or officer. The officer must not recklessly endanger people or property. A driver transporting a patient to a hospital may use the speed-limit exemption without warning signals if a certified emergency medical care provider reasonably believes the patient needs rapid transport.