In New Jersey, an important aspect of driving is familiarizing yourself with different situations so you can understand how to proceed when they arise. One such scenario is when an emergency vehicle is approaching. Unfortunately, if you are unfamiliar with how to proceed, you may end up with a ticket for failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the penalties you can face and the importance of working with a Bergen County, New Jersey traffic ticket attorney to help you explore the potential defense you may be able to utilize.
What Is the “Move Over” Law in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, when an emergency vehicle, like an ambulance, paramedic truck, firetruck, or police vehicle, is approaching with its lights and/or sirens activated, you are required to move over to the side of the road and yield for the vehicle to pass. This is true if the vehicle is approaching from in front of or behind you. This is to ensure that vehicles actively responding to an emergency situation can arrive safely and as quickly as possible.
In general, you are required to move lanes, or, if on a single lane road, pull completely to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop when the vehicle is approaching from behind with its lights and sirens activated.
What are the Penalties for Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle?
In the event you do not yield to an emergency vehicle, you can receive a traffic ticket carrying hefty fines. In general, you’ll find that a failure to yield ticket can cost drivers up to $500, in addition to the court fees incurred.
Failure to yield can also result in points on your license. This can not only result in much higher insurance rates, as you will be considered a high-risk driver, but you also risk a license suspension if you incur 12 or more points on your license.
You should note that in serious instances in which failure to yield causes injury or death to the responders, you can face additional charges like reckless driving or a criminal offense.
Are There Any Potential Defenses?
If you are ticketed for failure to yield in New Jersey, it’s important to understand your legal options. In general, you’ll find that you may be able to fight the ticket on the grounds that the emergency vehicle did not have its lights or sirens activated, you slowed down but could not safely stop, or road conditions made it unsafe or impossible to safely move over to let the vehicle pass.
If you are ticketed for this offense, it’s important to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They may be able to assist in uncovering and collecting evidence to help strengthen your defense. For example, they may be able to obtain dashcam or security camera footage to help support your claims that the lights and sirens weren’t activated, or evidence that shows it was unsafe for you to move your vehicle while the emergency responders were behind you.
At the Law Office of Richard E. Novak, we understand how difficult these matters can be. That is why our firm will do everything in our power to help you fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.