P.R. Laws tit. 9, § 5112

2019-02-20 00:00:00+00
§ 5112. Obstruction of emergency measures

(a) Any driver who parks his/her motor vehicle one hundred (100) feet or less from where a traffic accident has occurred or an emergency situation arisen, while emergency measures are being taken, shall be guilty of an administrative fault and be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).

The members of the general working press and those other persons who, because of their knowledge or profession or technical expertise are capable of rendering assistance and therefore have stopped to offer their help while waiting for the emergency authorities to arrive at the scene, are hereby exempted from these provisions. Said persons shall at all times exercise proper judgment and undertake those measures that may be necessary to avoid obstructing the free flow of traffic or creating situations that entail risk to their own safety or the safety of others.

(b) When approaching an emergency area or shoulder where an emergency or law enforcement vehicle, tow truck, or official maintenance vehicle duly identified with its emergency lights flashing as authorized by § 5412 of this title is located, every driver shall:

(1) Move over to the farthest lane away from the emergency area or shoulder, if the traffic or type of roadway so allows; or

(2) if changing lanes is not possible, drivers must reduce their speed by twenty (20) miles per hour below the maximum speed limit allowed in the roadway.

Once the driver passes the emergency area or shoulder where the official vehicle or tow truck is located, he/she may return or continue at the maximum speed limit allowed in said roadway. Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be punished by a seventy-five dollar ($75.00) administrative fine.

History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 4.12, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000; Dec. 17, 2015, No. 226, § 1, eff. 90 days after Dec. 17, 2015.