D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 18, r. 18-2210

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 43, October 25, 2024

Rule 18-2210 - EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND APPARATUS; TRAFFIC INCIDENTS

2210.1

Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of this title, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection, and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

2210.2

Upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle, the operator of a streetcar shall immediately stop the car clear of any intersection and keep it in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

2210.3

This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.

2210.4

The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than five hundred feet (500 ft.) or drive into or park such vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm.

2210.5

No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down on any street, private driveway, or streetcar track to be used at any fire or alarm of fire without the consent of a police or fire department official.

2210.6

Upon approaching a collision or mechanical breakdown, every operator shall proceed with due caution, reduce speed as appropriate for road conditions, and, as soon as it is safe to do so, vacate any lane wholly or partially blocked.

2210.7

Upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible or visual signals, an operator who drives an approaching vehicle proceeding in the same direction as the authorized emergency vehicle shall (unless directed otherwise by an authorized official directing traffic):

(a) If on a roadway having at least two (2) lanes of travel in the direction of the approaching vehicle, make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle, if the operator can do so safely and if traffic conditions permit, and in all events proceed with due caution, until safely past the authorized emergency vehicle; or

(b) If on a roadway with one (1) lane of travel in the direction of the approaching vehicle, proceed with due caution, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, until safely past the authorized emergency vehicle.

2210.8

Notwithstanding Subsections 2210.6 and 2210.7, when at or approaching a collision, mechanical breakdown, or a stationary authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible or visual signals, every operator shall obey the directions of any authorized official directing traffic.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 18, r. 18-2210

Commissioners' Order 274, 310/949 effective September 1, 1949, 17 DCRR § 50, 101, 102 (October19, 1970); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 65 DCR 000056 (1/4/2019)