P.R. Laws tit. 9, § 5282

2019-02-20 00:00:00+00
§ 5282. Emergency service vehicles

As long as an emergency exists related to the use given the vehicle, and until it has ended, the authorized drivers of emergency vehicles, as defined in this chapter, shall carry out the following acts with due consideration of the safety of the persons and property, and provided they use warning devices:

(a) Park or stop their vehicles on the public roads contrary to what is provided in this chapter and its regulations.

(b) Drive on with their vehicles regardless of the indications of a traffic light or sign on the public road by virtue of this chapter and its regulations, but only after having slowed down the vehicle, as necessary, to drive it safely.

(c) Exceed the speed limits established by this chapter and its regulations, or any municipal ordinance, provided this does not endanger lives or property.

(d) Ignore the provisions of this chapter and its regulations on rights of way, turns and the traffic flow.

The above provisions do not relieve duly authorized drivers of emergency vehicles from their duty to drive into account taking the safety of all persons, nor do they exempt them from the consequences resulting from their reckless disregard of the safety of others. The provisions of subsections (a)—(d) of this section shall not apply when the emergency vehicle returns after having completed its emergency mission or when it is not attending to a real emergency situation.

Any driver who pretends to be attending to a real emergency situation without there being one, shall incur an administrative fault and shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).

History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 10.02, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.