H.B. 235 Enrolled

EMERGENCY VEHICLE AMENDMENTS
2002 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Sponsor: Paul Ray
This act modifies the Motor Vehicle Code to amend the duties of drivers when approaching
stationary emergency vehicles on highways.
This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
AMENDS:
41-6-76, as last amended by Chapter 138, Laws of Utah 1987
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 41-6-76 is amended to read:
41-6-76. Approaching emergency vehicle -- Necessary signals -- Stationary
emergency vehicle -- Duties of respective operators.
(1) [Upon] Except when otherwise directed by a peace officer, the operator of a vehicle,
upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle using audible or visual signals
under Section 41-6-14 , 41-6-132 , or 41-6-146 or of a peace officer vehicle lawfully using an
audible or visual signal, [the operator of every other vehicle] shall:
(a) yield the right-of-way and immediately move to a position parallel to, and as close as
possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection; and [shall]
(b) then stop and remain there until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed[, except
when otherwise directed by a peace officer].
(2) The operator of a vehicle, upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle
that is displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, or red and blue lights, shall:
(a) reduce the speed of the vehicle;
(b) provide as much space as practical to the stationary authorized emergency vehicle; and
(c) if traveling in a lane adjacent to the stationary authorized emergency vehicle and if
practical, with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, make a lane change into a lane not
adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle.
(3) The operator of a vehicle, upon approaching a stationary tow truck or highway

maintenance vehicle that is displaying flashing amber lights, shall:
(a) reduce the speed of the vehicle; and
(b) provide as much space as practical to the stationary tow truck or highway maintenance
vehicle.
[(2) ] (4) This section does not relieve the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle, tow
truck, or highway maintenance vehicle from the duty to drive with regard for the safety of all persons
using the highway.

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