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Michigan's
Emergency
Vehicle
Caution Law
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On
March 28, 2001, a law went into effect (sec. 257.653a) in
Michigan called the "Emergency Vehicle Caution Law." The law states:
On Roads With Two or More Lanes of Travel in the Same Direction
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The
operator of a vehicle traveling on a highway designed with two or
more lanes of travel in the same direction shall, upon approaching a
stationary emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated,
carefully move into an open lane at least one lane away from
the emergency vehicle.
If
this is not possible due to traffic, weather, or road conditions,
the operator shall slow down and pass with caution, allowing the
emergency vehicle as much space as possible.
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On
Roads With One Lane of Travel for Each Direction
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The
operator of a vehicle traveling on a roadway which only has one lane
of travel for each direction shall, upon approaching a stationary
emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated, carefully
move over into the open adjacent lane if possible.
If
this is not possible due to traffic, weather, or road conditions,
the operator shall slow down and pass with caution, allowing the
emergency vehicle as much space as possible.
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The
Penalty
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A
person found responsible for violating this new law is guilty of a
misdemeanor and is subject to enhanced penalties of up to 15 years
in prison and/or a $7,500 fine if the violation causes injury or
death to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response
personnel.
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Why
the Law is Necessary
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