4511.45 Right-of-way of public safety or coroner's vehicle. - Ohio Statutes

4511.45 Right-of-way of public safety or coroner's vehicle.

(A)(1) Upon the approach of a public safety vehicle or coroner’s vehicle, equipped with at least one flashing, rotating or oscillating light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet to the front of the vehicle and the driver is giving an audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle, or bell, no driver of any other vehicle shall fail to yield the right-of-way, immediately drive if practical to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection, and stop and remain in that position until the public safety vehicle or coroner’s vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

(2) Upon the approach of a public safety vehicle or coroner’s vehicle, as stated in division (A)(1) of this section, no operator of any streetcar or trackless trolley shall fail to immediately stop the streetcar or trackless trolley clear of any intersection and keep it in that position until the public safety vehicle or coroner’s vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

(B) This section does not relieve the driver of a public safety vehicle or coroner’s vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property upon the highway.

(C) This section applies to a coroner’s vehicle only when the vehicle is operated in accordance with section 4513.171 of the Revised Code. As used in this section, “coroner’s vehicle” means a vehicle used by a coroner, deputy coroner, or coroner’s investigator that is equipped with a flashing, oscillating, or rotating red or blue light and a siren, exhaust whistle, or bell capable of giving an audible signal.

(D) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates division (A)(1) or (2) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense. On a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree, and, on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004