Each day I see tow trucks driving above the posted speed limits.. other times weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds... This morning I saw one drive past a red light though no camera was mounted on the signal... Are they exempt from minor trafic rules when responding to an emergency?
2007-01-24 06:01:42 · 9 answers · asked by Redeemed 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
No they are not. They have to obey the law like everyone else. There are situations where they are allowed to do things like drive on a shoulder to get to an accident. But blowing a red light is not a minor offense. He was just lucky there were no cops around, or opposing traffic.
2007-01-24 06:07:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not even....They have to follow the rules, except when parking to tow a vehicle.
The rules on emergency vehicles are pretty clear, must use an audible siren and emergency lights when responding to but not returning from an authorized call. These people you speak of are giving a bad name to tow truck drivers everywhere with this kind of driving.
I do know that we used to get impatient waiting for a wrecker when we had a scene with extensive traffic tie-ups, but such is life. I wouldn't excuse a wrecker from following basic rules, although I might cut them a bit of slack on the speed part within reason.
2007-01-24 08:05:48 · answer #2 · answered by Lt. Dan reborn 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nope... They are not considered " emergency vehicles" an any of the states. Only vehicles that have the right to do that are Police, fire, and EMS vehicles, and even then they have to be responding to a call, and then depending on their local protocols. If you see a tow truck do this, write down the vehicles license plate number and try to get the company name and number from it, ( I know here in texas they have to be on both driver and passenger doors minimum) and report it to the local police, and you can also call the company and speak to the owner and complain about the driver.
2007-01-24 13:07:54 · answer #3 · answered by centex_fireman 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Technically speaking they must obey the traffic laws like you do. But, being in the type of work where they are familiar with the police, they disregard all the rules of the road. The same applies to all police officers when driving their own vehicles, if they get stopped for speeding the worst that can happen is they will be invited to a party somewhere at another cops house.
2007-01-24 08:22:43 · answer #4 · answered by Waalee 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
By no means (other than when instructed by a law enforcement officer to do so,) is a tow truck driver allowed to break any traffic laws. In fact they have added rules that automobile drivers do not. Weight limits, lane restrictions, signal light usage, solicitation rules, insurance and vehicle requirements, and authorization proof for every vehicle transported.
A driver towing any un-authorized vehicle can be charged with Grand Theft Auto.
2007-01-24 06:30:33 · answer #5 · answered by allannela 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No one is exempt from traffic laws, except in certain cases where
police , fire, and ambulances responding to emergencies may jump red lights and speed no more than a safe level of speed.These emergency service peole MAY NOT wantonly speed at will, because they are subject to procecution like all citizens.
2007-01-24 07:35:53 · answer #6 · answered by WC 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no they have the same laws to obey as you do.. when responding to an accident , they must use due care for the public.
call the owner of the wrecker company file a complaint...
2007-01-24 06:06:51 · answer #7 · answered by RED WHITE AND BLUE 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No the law appiies to them also. Just as it does to the comon car.
2007-01-24 06:05:20 · answer #8 · answered by bildymooner 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
nope
2007-01-24 06:05:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋