2018 Maryland Code
Transportation
Title 21 - Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 4 - Right-of-Way
§ 21-405. Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles or tow trucks.
(a) In general. -- 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) Duty of driver upon approach of emergency vehicle. -- 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) Stopping until emergency vehicle passes. -- 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) Passing emergency or police vehicle. -- 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) Duty of driver upon approach of emergency vehicle or tow trucks on highway. --
(1) This subsection applies to a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle that is:
(i)
1. On a highway; and
2. Using a visual signal that meets the requirements of § 22-218 or § 22-218.2 of this article; and
(ii)
1. A commercial motor vehicle providing emergency maintenance to a disabled vehicle;
2. An emergency vehicle;
3. A service vehicle as defined under § 22-201 of this article;
4. A tow truck that is properly registered in accordance with § 13-920 of this article; or
5. A waste or recycling collection vehicle.
(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) Driver of emergency vehicle 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.
