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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 11Ch. 3Art. 2§ 21707 Emergency Vehicle Operation Restrictions

§ 21707 Emergency Vehicle Operation Restrictions

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 21707 Emergency Vehicle Operation Restrictions

This law says you can't drive near an emergency scene where fire or police vehicles are responding, unless you're told to by an officer or firefighter.

Key Takeaways

  • •Don't drive near emergencies where fire or police are working.
  • •Stay at least 300 feet away unless an officer or firefighter tells you to move closer.
  • •The emergency is over when the fire department says it is.

Example

There's a house fire, and fire trucks are there putting it out.

You can't drive within 300 feet of the fire unless a firefighter or police officer says it's okay. If you do, you could get in trouble.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 21707 Emergency Vehicle Operation Restrictions

No motor vehicle, except an authorized emergency vehicle or a vehicle of a duly authorized member of a fire or police department, shall be operated within the block wherein an emergency situation responded to by any fire department vehicle exists, except that in the event the nearest intersection to the emergency is more than 300 feet therefrom, this section shall prohibit operation of vehicles only within 300 feet of the emergency, unless directed to do so by a member of the fire department or police department, sheriff, deputy sheriff, or member of the California Highway Patrol. The emergency shall be deemed to have ceased to exist when the official of the fire department in charge at the scene of the emergency shall so indicate. Officials of the fire department or police department or the Department of the California Highway Patrol who are present shall make every effort to prevent the closing off entirely of congested highway traffic passing the scene of any such emergency. (Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

authorized emergency vehicleduly authorized member of a fire or police departmentemergency situationfire department vehicleCalifornia Highway Patrol

Related Statutes

  • § 21706 Emergency Vehicle Following Distance
  • § 13950 Driver License Revocation Notice
  • § 13951 Driver License Denial Notice
  • § 13952 Proposed Action Hearing Notice
  • § 13953 Emergency License Suspension Authority

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 21707.
View Official Source