I read of a recent case in which a red light camera photographed a car and their defence was that they were letting an ambulance through. They were still fined and had points on their license despite proof.
Today I saw a police car continue to sound it's horn until three cars moved through a red light and onto a yellow box to let it past. The first car really didn't want to go, and when it did a bus had to avoid it.
I usually pull over to let sirens pass, but I draw the line at getting a fine and points for doing it, and I certainly don't want to put myself in danger. Legally, do I have to pull over and can I refuse to drive through a red light even if a marked police car is telling me to do it.
2006-07-15 13:58:01 · 14 answers · asked by ? 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
If you go across a red light you are breaking the law, if you get caught by a camera it is not a valid reason for going through a red light, if you cause an accident you alone are responsible.
The Fire Brigade drivers are trained to turn of the siren and just leave the lights on same goes for the ambulance service and traffic police but normal police officers do not have such training.
So do not feel that you have to go across a red light to let them pass use common sense, you cannot be charged for not moving out of the way.
2006-07-17 07:29:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the driving manual/highway code does say that we obay the orders given by a person of authority (police/ traffic wardens), perhaps the guy that got caught on camera the photo may have showed that there was traffic coming through and therefore dangerous (as the guy you mentioned with the bus), the driver may have been flustered because of the sirens, therefore dangerous.
a blue flashing light means someone is in danger and every second counts sometimes life or death,(how are we to know). i would be tempted to move passed the white line to allow the emergency vehicle through ONLY if it was safe, if not safe then you must not go and within your rights otherwise the police will be dealing with another accident, common sence to the given situation.
2006-07-15 14:47:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my state, you pull through the red light and over the right. This is done ONLY AFTER all traffic is stopped. The emergency vehicle ALWAYS has the right of way.
As far as the ticket and points go....since this incident was photographed, they should see the emergency vehicle on the same tape. I'd contest it. I don't think the judge will impose a fine or points under the circumstances
2006-07-15 16:11:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you have to pull over if possible, but you are not suppose to break the law to get out of the way. Even the police car if it is not using lights and siren can not enter into the intercession against a red light
If you choose to enter against a red light, and caused an accident it would be your fault and you would be liable.
2006-07-15 14:55:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an ambulance driver with St Johns. The Emergency vehicle has no more rights than you at red lights. It may if the road is clear cross a red light if not and an accident or offence is commit ed the driver is liable. You must not put yourself or other motorists in danger to allow an emergency vehicle to pass. However we are always grateful to you if you do allow us past and the road is clear. Same on any road let emergency vehicles pass as long its safe for everyone. Thank you.
2006-07-16 10:35:18 · answer #5 · answered by deadly 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The rule of thumb is to always allow an emergency vehicle to pass, regardless of whether or not that contravenes traffic regulations (as long as you are not putting yourself or others in danger). For legal reasons, every time an emergency vehicle puts its siren on, they record it in their log book. So if you get a fine in the post, contact the appropriate service and ask them for a letter stating that at the time of the traffic infringement, they had their siren on. That should help your defence.
2006-07-15 14:05:57 · answer #6 · answered by Burnsie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one can legally force you to break the law. However,at the end of the day,police in this country are a law unto themselves.
They can assassinate anyone carrying a table leg wrapped in tarpaulin or simply waiting to board a tube train. They can also lie about the actions of the person they have just assassinated & do so without any fear of legal repercussions. Therefore, if you are ever in a situation & armed police are present,do as they say or accept that they can kill you as easily as blinking an eye.
2006-07-17 05:41:09 · answer #7 · answered by Mike M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did this person fight it in court? If so, they can allways apeal the case. It seems easy to me what happened, why were they guilty?
If it was me, I would move if the emergency vehilce was behind me. Most laws state to move to the right and stop. If you were in the lane of traffic with the emergency vehicle behind you, I would consider that an order to move. It
would also have to be a case by case basis on when and if you could move.
2006-07-16 08:32:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should move or pull over but safley so as not to cause any inconvenience to other road users but remember one emergency isn't justified causing a norther even police ambulance and fire
should not jump red lights unless it is safe to do so there have been cases where police drivers have been prosecuted for causing an acedent when jumping red lights so only alow them pased you if it is safe to do so
2006-07-15 14:27:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would clear the road to let any emergency vehicle pass
I really think by law you have to obey the directives of a police officer
2006-07-15 14:01:44 · answer #10 · answered by Bear Naked 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋