Are You Supposed To Stop When You See An Ambulance Behind You in MIchigan?
I hope sharing this doesn't get my license pulled by the Michigan Secretary of State.
I was driving east on I-196 just past Alpine when coming up fast from behind me was an ambulance with its lights flashing and sirens blaring. My mind went temporarily blank as I couldn't remember what I'm supposed to do in this unusual situation.
Normally when an ambulance is coming at me on a road I pull over to the should and stop but was I supposed to come to a complete stop on a 70 MPH highway?
What Should You Do If An Emergency Vehicle Is Approaching From Behind
Sgt. Jill M. Bennett of the Michigan State Police Traffic Services Sections told Mlive according to the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code, on the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle you should stop. It does not give exceptions for freeways.
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Michigans Move Over Law
According to Michigan.gov under Michigan’s Emergency Vehicle Caution Law, which is commonly known as the Move Over Law, motorists are required to slow down and move over for stationary emergency vehicles with their lights activated.
When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated, carefully slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and fully move over into an open lane. If this is not possible due to traffic, weather, or road conditions, slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and pass with caution allowing the emergency vehicle as much space as possible.
What Vechicles Are Considred An Emergency Vechicle
- Police
- Fire
- Rescue
- Ambulance
- Road Service
- Road Maintenance
- Utility Service
- Solid Waste Hauler
- Road service vehicles include tow trucks and courtesy vehicles operated by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Can You Get A Ticket For Not Pulling Over
A motorist violating the Move Over Law is responsible for a civil infraction and is subject to two points on their driver’s license and a fine of $400.
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Motorists face felony charges and enhanced penalties of up to 15 years in prison and/or a $7,500 fine if the violation causes death to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel. For injury to a police officer, firefighter or other emergency response personnel the motorist is guilty of a felony and the penalty is up to 2 years in prison and/or a $1,000 fine
You can get all the details here