PC §715 - FAILURE TO YIELD TO AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE
INFRACTION
(a) Definition
Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle is the act of not giving right-of-way to an authorized emergency vehicle displaying visual or audible signals when required by law.
(b) Elements of the Offense
The following elements must be met to constitute failure to yield to an emergency vehicle:
The defendant operated a motor vehicle on a public roadway.
An authorized emergency vehicle, such as a police car, fire truck, ambulance, or other designated emergency vehicle, approached the defendant's vehicle while displaying visual or audible signals.
The defendant failed to yield the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle, as required by state laws and regulations.
Duty to Yield
(a) Drivers must yield the right-of-way and take appropriate action to allow an emergency vehicle to pass safely when it is displaying visual or audible signals, such as flashing lights, sirens, or horns.
(c) Defenses
(a) It shall be a defense to a charge of failure to yield to an emergency vehicle if the defendant can prove that they did not see or hear the emergency vehicle or if they can demonstrate that yielding would have endangered themselves or others.
(b) Lack of evidence of failure to yield, such as errors in law enforcement observations or documentation, may also serve as defenses if proven by the defendant.
(d) Aggravating Factors
Aggravating factors such as causing an accident or injury due to failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, disregarding repeated warnings or signals from emergency vehicles, or prior convictions for similar offenses may result in enhanced penalties or additional charges as determined by the court.
Penalties
Penalties for assault charges can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the offense. They may include:
JAIL TIME
NOT ARRESTABLE
FINE SET
$250.00
Last updated