California · Vehicle Code

VEH §21706.5: (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) “Emergency incident zone” means an area on a freeway that is within 500 feet of, and in the direction of travel o

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

A person may not operate a vehicle unsafely within 500 feet of a stationary emergency vehicle with activated lights, in the direction of travel.

Read the full statutory text

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) “Emergency incident zone” means an area on a freeway that is within 500 feet of, and in the direction of travel of, a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that has its emergency lights activated. Traffic in the opposite lanes of the freeway is not in an “emergency incident zone.” (2) “Operate a vehicle in an unsafe manner” means operating a motor vehicle in violation of an act made unlawful under this division, except a violation of Section 21809. (b) A person shall not operate a vehicle in an unsafe manner within an emergency incident zone.

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