§ 21-405. Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles

   (a) In general. -- On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall yield the right-of-way.

(b) Duty of driver upon approach of emergency vehicle. -- On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall drive immediately to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the edge or curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection.

(c) Stopping until emergency vehicle passes. -- On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall stop and stay in this position until the emergency vehicle has passed.

(d) Passing emergency or police vehicle. -- A driver, when proceeding in the same direction as an emergency or police vehicle, may not pass an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article or a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal unless:

   (1) The emergency vehicle has stopped; or

   (2) Otherwise directed by a police officer.

(e) Duty of driver upon approach of emergency vehicle on highway. -- Unless otherwise directed by a police officer or a traffic control device, when an emergency vehicle using any visual signal that meets the requirements of § 22-218 of this article is stopped, standing, or parked on a highway, the driver of a motor vehicle approaching the emergency vehicle from the rear shall:

   (1) If practicable and not otherwise prohibited, make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle with due regard for safety and traffic conditions; or

   (2) If the driver of the motor vehicle is unable to make a lane change in accordance with item (1) of this subsection, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.

(f) Driver of emergency vehicle not relieved from duty of care. -- This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 66 1/2, § 11-405; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; 1980, ch. 825; 1981, ch. 169; 1986, ch. 472, § 1; 2010, chs. 540, 541.