Failing to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle can result in serious legal consequences and jeopardize public safety. However, sometimes you cannot get out of the way in time. That could get you charged under CA Vehicle Code Section 21806 for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.
At the Simmrin Law Group, our skilled Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers are here to help you fight criminal charges like this one. Let’s break down Vehicle Code 21806 and discuss what you should do if you’re accused of violating this law.
What Does Vehicle Code 21806 Require?
Under California Vehicle Code 21806, when an authorized emergency vehicle approaches with its siren sounding and at least one red lamp visible from 1,000 feet away under normal conditions, drivers must:
- Yield the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle.
- Immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection.
- Stop and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
If you’re driving in an exclusive or preferential-use lane (such as a carpool or HOV lane), you must exit the lane immediately if it’s reasonably safe to do so.
The law also requires operators of street cars (such as cable cars or trolleys) to stop clear of any intersection and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass. Pedestrians on the highway must proceed to the nearest curb or place of safety and remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed.
What Qualifies as an Authorized Emergency Vehicle?
Authorized emergency vehicles include:
- Police vehicles
- Ambulances
- Fire department vehicles
- Vehicles driven by park rangers, fish and game wardens, or certain forestry and fire officials
- Vehicles used to respond to emergency calls by a public utility, sanitary district, or environmental health agency
- Vehicles owned by the state and driven by enforcement officers of the California Horse Racing Board
- Vehicles used to provide emergency road service or freeway service patrols
Private security vehicles, even if equipped with sirens and lights, are not considered authorized emergency vehicles for purposes of this law.
What Are the Penalties for Violating Vehicle Code 21806?
Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle is an infraction punishable by a fine. The violation will also add one point to your driving record. If your failure to yield results in a collision that causes injury or death to an emergency responder, you could face misdemeanor charges and up to one year in county jail.
The Dangers of Accumulating Points on Your Driving Record
The California DMV assigns points to your driving record for certain traffic violations. Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle adds one point. While one point may not seem like a big deal, accumulating too many points can have serious consequences:
- Higher insurance premiums: Points on your record can cause your insurance rates to skyrocket, as insurers view you as a higher-risk driver.
- License suspension: If you accrue 4 points within 12 months, 6 points within 24 months, or 8 points within 36 months, the DMV can suspend your license.
- Mandatory traffic school: Depending on your number of points, the court may order you to complete traffic school to remove the point from your record.
- Criminal charges: In some cases, accumulating too many points can result in misdemeanor charges of being a negligent operator.
The best way to avoid these consequences is to drive safely and responsibly. But if you do find yourself facing a traffic ticket, it’s essential to consult with an experienced Los Angeles traffic violation lawyer who can help you protect your driving privilege.
How Can the Simmrin Law Group Help?
If you’ve been cited for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, our experienced traffic offense attorneys can help you explore your legal options. We may be able to:
- Investigate the circumstances: We’ll gather evidence, review police reports, and interview witnesses to determine if there are any factual disputes or defenses in your case.
- Negotiate with prosecutors: In some cases, we can persuade the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charges against you in exchange for traffic school or other conditions.
- Argue your case in court: If necessary, we’ll vigorously defend you at trial, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and advocating for an acquittal.
- Minimize the consequences: Even if you’re convicted, we’ll work to keep the violation off your record and prevent license suspension or other collateral consequences.
Our job is to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case, whether that means fighting the charges or mitigating the penalties.
Don’t Face Traffic Charges Alone
A traffic citation may seem minor, but it can have serious implications for your driving privileges and criminal record. Don’t try to handle it on your own.
If you’ve been accused of violating CA Vehicle Code Section 21806: Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle or any other traffic offense in Southern California, contact the Simmrin Law Group today for a free consultation. Our knowledgeable attorneys will review your case, explain your rights, and develop a tailored strategy to protect your interests.