Md. TRANSPORTATION Code Ann. § 21-405

§ 21-405. Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles or tow trucks.

(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 or tow trucks on highway. —

(1)  This subsection applies to a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle that is:

(i)

1.  On a highway; and

2.  Using a visual signal that meets the requirements of § 22-218 or § 22-218.2 of this article; and

(ii)

1.  A commercial motor vehicle providing emergency maintenance to a disabled vehicle;

2.  An emergency vehicle;

3.  A service vehicle as defined under § 22-201 of this article;

4.  A tow truck that is properly registered in accordance with § 13-920 of this article; or

5.  A waste or recycling collection vehicle.

(2)  Unless otherwise directed by a police officer or a traffic control device, the driver of a motor vehicle that approaches from the rear a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle to which this subsection applies shall:

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

(ii)  If the driver of the motor vehicle is unable to make a lane change in accordance with item (i) of this paragraph, 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.


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CASES & EXAMPLES:

Similar Law in Other Jurisdictions

  • Rhode Island: § 31-17-6: Yielding to emergency vehicle
  • Virginia: Virginia Code 46.2-829: Approach of law-enforcement or fire-fighting vehicles, rescue vehicles, or ambulances; violation as failure to yield right-of-way