Section 21-405 - Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles. - Maryland Statutes

§ 21-405. Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles.
 

(a)  In general.- On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall yield the right-of-way. 

(b)  Duty of driver upon approach of emergency vehicle.- On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall drive immediately to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the edge or curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection. 

(c)  Stopping until emergency vehicle passes.- On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall stop and stay in this position until the emergency vehicle has passed. 

(d)  Passing emergency or police vehicle.- A driver, when proceeding in the same direction as an emergency or police vehicle, may not pass an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article or a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal unless: 

(1) The emergency vehicle has stopped; or 

(2) Otherwise directed by a police officer. 

(e)  Duty of driver upon approach of emergency vehicle on highway.- Unless otherwise directed by a police officer or a traffic control device, when an emergency vehicle using any visual signal that meets the requirements of § 22-218 of this article is stopped, standing, or parked on a highway, the driver of a motor vehicle approaching the emergency vehicle from the rear shall: 

(1) If practicable and not otherwise prohibited, make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle with due regard for safety and traffic conditions; or 

(2) If the driver of the motor vehicle is unable to make a lane change in accordance with item (1) of this subsection, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions. 

(f)  Driver of emergency vehicle not relieved from duty of care.- This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 661/2, § 11-405; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; 1980, ch. 825; 1981, ch. 169; 1986, ch. 472, § 1; 2010, chs. 540, 541.]