CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When it comes to the rules of the road, we know we have to follow them. But one viewer texted WCNC Charlotte's Verify team, wanting to know if emergency vehicles must follow those rules when their emergency lights are off.
A text from a viewer claims they saw a patrol car run a red light without emergency lights on and they wanted to know if this is allowed or if the officer violated the law.
THE QUESTION
Is it legal for emergency vehicles to run a red light if they haven't activated lights or sirens?
OUR SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, North Carolina law allows emergency vehicles to run a red light, even without lights or sirens, as long as they are responding to an emergency. However, individual police agencies can establish their own rules and regulations. Some may be more strict than state law.
WHAT WE FOUND
According to North Carolina law, speed limitations do not apply to emergency vehicles when responding to an emergency.
"They are excused from having to engage in traffic laws so long as they are engaged in some sort of law enforcement duty," Mauney said.
Though the law doesn't specify running a red light, Mauney said the North Carolina appeals case Collins v. Christenberry, explains the law applies to all traffic rules, not just the speed limit.
"The North Carolina Court of Appeals said, 'Hey, if we got this statute that allows the police officers to go over the speed limit if they want to in order to enforce the law,' then obviously the legislature also meant things," Mauney said.
However, even though the law allows police officers to break certain traffic rules in an emergency, Mauney said each department has its own set of policies and procedures. Aycock explains his department's rules this way:
"A police officer would be held to the same standard as any motorist but is allowed to go through a red traffic signal only when their emergency equipment is activated and they have stopped to ensure they have the ability to safely enter the intersection. "
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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