2016 Maryland Code
Transportation
Title 21 - Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions
§ 21-106. Emergency vehicles

(a) Circumstances for which privileges granted. -- Subject to the conditions stated in this section:

(1) The driver of an emergency vehicle registered in any state may exercise the privileges set forth in this section while:

(i) Responding to an emergency call;

(ii) Pursuing a violator or suspected violator of the law; or

(iii) Responding to, but not while returning from, a fire alarm; and

(2) The driver of an emergency vehicle registered in the State or a local jurisdiction in the State may exercise the privileges set forth in this section while performing motorcade or escort duty if the motorcade or escort duty involves:

(i) Homeland security;

(ii) A funeral;

(iii) A dignitary; or

(iv) Facilitating the safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians that are or will be near the motorcade or escort.

(b) Enumeration of privileges. -- Under the circumstances stated in subsection (a) of this section, the driver of an emergency vehicle may:

(1) Park or stand without regard to the other provisions of this title;

(2) Pass a red or stop signal, a stop sign, or a yield sign, but only after slowing down as necessary for safety;

(3) Exceed any maximum speed limit, but only so long as the driver does not endanger life or property;

(4) Disregard any traffic control device or regulation governing direction of movement or turning in a specified direction; and

(5) Travel through any local jurisdiction in the State as necessary to perform and return from motorcade or escort duty.

(c) Use of audible and visual signs required. --

(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the privileges set forth in this section apply only while the emergency vehicle is using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article, except that an emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display the visual signals.

(2) The privileges set forth in subsection (b) (1) of this section apply only while the emergency vehicle is using visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22-218 of this article.

(3) (i) The driver of an emergency vehicle may not use flashing lights or a bell, siren, or exhaust whistle while returning from an emergency call, fire alarm, or motorcade or escort, except that fire apparatus carrying standing firemen may use flashing lights that are visible only to the rear.

(ii) The driver of an emergency vehicle, while parking or backing the emergency vehicle, may use flashing lights within 100 feet of the entrance ramp to a:

1. Fire station; or

2. Rescue station.

(4) Before exercising the privileges set forth in subsection (b)(5) of this section, the jurisdiction that employs the driver of a motorcade or escort shall provide notice of the motorcade or escort to any jurisdiction that the driver will enter while performing or returning from the motorcade or escort duty.

(d) Driver not relieved from duty of care. -- 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.