AB 539

Current law generally exempts the operator of an authorized emergency

vehicle from traffic restrictions relating to speed and traffic signals only if the vehicle

is responding to an emergency call or in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of

the law and if the vehicle's warning lights and siren are activated. However, police

vehicles may, with warning lights activated, escort another vehicle or procession of

vehicles. With each escorted vehicle or vehicle procession, there must be at least one

police vehicle escort in the lead and at least one police vehicle escort at the rear of

the vehicle or procession. The escorting police vehicles and escorted vehicles are not

required to stop at red traffic signals or stop signs but must obey all other traffic laws.

These privileges apply to the operator of a police vehicle only if the law enforcement

agency employing the operator has provided written guidelines for its officers and

employees regarding the escorting of vehicles. The escorting police vehicles and

escorted vehicles must yield the right-of-way to any other authorized emergency

vehicle with its siren activated. All other vehicles must yield the right-of-way to the

escorting police vehicles and escorted vehicles and may not drive between them.

This bill allows certain other authorized emergency vehicles, including fire

department vehicles and ambulances, to escort other vehicles or vehicle processions,

with warning lights activated, in the same manner, and subject to the same

privileges and limitations, as police vehicles under current law.