En Español
En Español
Call For A Free Consultation
(480) 706-1100
Arizona’s emergency vehicle laws play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of first responders, road crews, and drivers. By enforcing clear regulations, Arizona aims to minimize the risk of car accidents and injuries. Understanding your legal responsibilities when encountering emergency vehicles ensures that you comply with state laws. Here’s what you need to know.
When you see an approaching emergency vehicle, it is essential to respond quickly and correctly to ensure everyone’s safety on the road and to make sure you’re following the law.
When you see an approaching police car, ambulance, or any other emergency vehicle with activated sirens or flashing lights, you have a legal obligation to yield the right-of-way. This means allowing the emergency vehicle to pass quickly and safely by moving out of its path and adhering to any further instructions provided by the vehicle operators.
Drivers must promptly move to the closest edge of the roadway or the curb when encountering an emergency vehicle. By doing so, you create a clear path for the vehicle to access critical locations rapidly and without obstruction.
After moving to the side, drivers must come to a complete stop and remain stationary until the emergency vehicle has passed. This rule prevents unnecessary traffic flow interruptions and potential accidents.
Approaching a stopped emergency vehicle also requires you to take certain actions:
Under Arizona’s “Move Over” law, drivers are required to change lanes to create a safe buffer zone when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, or road crew vehicle.
When changing lanes is unsafe or impossible due to traffic conditions, drivers must slow down and proceed with heightened caution. It is imperative to maintain a safe distance from the stopped vehicle while traveling at a reduced speed.
Failing to comply with Arizona’s emergency vehicle laws can result in severe penalties, including the following:
Penalties can range from $150 to $650, depending on the severity of the offense. These financial repercussions serve as a deterrent, emphasizing the importance of obeying traffic laws concerning emergency vehicles.
Minor violations can result in two points being added to your driving record. Serious violations, especially those resulting in accidents, can lead to the addition of up to eight points. Accumulating points can significantly impact your driving privileges and insurance rates.
If the violation results in injury or death, drivers could face criminal charges in Arizona, which may include potential jail time.
When charged with violating Arizona’s emergency vehicle laws, drivers may have several potential defenses at their disposal. One possible defense is that the presence of unsafe road conditions made it impossible to change lanes safely, such as inclement weather, poor visibility, or adverse road surface conditions.
Additionally, drivers may argue that they were physically blocked from moving lanes due to heavy traffic or other obstructions that prevented compliance with the law. Demonstrating that all reasonable efforts were made to adhere to the law can sometimes result in lesser penalties or dismissal of charges.
If you’ve been involved in an accident or have questions about emergency vehicle laws, reach out today to schedule a free consultation.