Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 21-405 - Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles or tow trucks(a) On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall yield the right-of-way.(b) On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall drive immediately to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the edge or curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection.(c) On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall stop and stay in this position until the emergency vehicle has passed.(d) A driver, when proceeding in the same direction as an emergency or police vehicle, may not pass an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article or a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal unless: (1) The emergency vehicle has stopped; or(2) Otherwise directed by a police officer.(e)(1) This subsection applies to a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle that is:(i)2. Using a visual signal that meets the requirements of § 22-218 or § 22-218.2 of this article; and3.A. A commercial motor vehicle providing emergency maintenance to a disabled vehicle;C. A service vehicle as defined under § 22-201 of this article;D. A tow truck that is properly registered in accordance with § 13-920 of this article; orE. A waste or recycling collection vehicle; or(ii)2. Displaying: A. Hazard warning lights;C. Other caution signals, including traffic cones, caution signs, or nonvehicular warning lights.(2) Unless otherwise directed by a police officer or a traffic control device, the driver of a motor vehicle that approaches from the rear a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle to which this subsection applies shall:(i) If practicable and not otherwise prohibited and with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the stopped, standing, or parked vehicle; or(ii) If the driver of the motor vehicle is unable to make a lane change in accordance with item (i) of this paragraph, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.(f) This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons.Amended by 2022 Md. Laws, Ch. 382, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2022.Amended by 2018 Md. Laws, Ch. 545, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2018.Amended by 2018 Md. Laws, Ch. 544, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2018.Amended by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 55, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2017.Amended by 2014 Md. Laws, Ch. 406, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2014.