Do sirens 'NEED' to be on while driving code 3?

EMTzimp

EMTzimp

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My partner and I were having a discussion about the use of sirens while driving code 3. If anyone can quote from a source such as DOT, CHP, EVOC, CEVO or vehicle code source that would be great. We are in Orange County, Calif.
Question is.... Do you need to have siren on while driving Code 3 to a call?
I understand if its 3 am and no one around then obviously be curtious and don't wake people up unless needed to safely operate ambulance. I also understand that If you come to a completely blocked intersection with red light then shut it down and resume code 3 when light is green and safe. Can anyone site sources regarding if sirens need to be on while driving code 3 with lights?

Thanks guys!
 
I'm too lazy to look it up on my phone or CHP handbook but I know most ambulance companies have a policy of lights and sirens or nothing at all. Kind of an all or nothing policy.
 
All you need to go Code 3 is a single steady-burning red lamp that's visible from the front for 1000 feet in the daytime. Everything else is considered a warning lamp/equipment. You are to use the red lamp and the other warning equipment whenever it's necessary to do so. Remember, when you're running Code 3, you're the most hazardous thing on the road. If it's prudent to use the siren, you use it. If it's prudent to use the warning lights, you use them. That's the standard you'll be judged by if you make a mistake.
 
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21055.htm

As I understand it sirens are for use when reasonably necessary. All that is required for an emergency vehicle is a steady solid red light visible from a certain distance.

Issue is if you were ever to be in an accident and the other person claims they did not see/hear you. Then I would say it was "reasonably necessary" to be using a siren.
 
Akulahawk said:
All you need to go Code 3 is a single steady-burning red lamp that's visible from the front for 1000 feet in the daytime. Everything else is considered a warning lamp/equipment. You are to use the red lamp and the other warning equipment whenever it's necessary to do so. Remember, when you're running Code 3, you're the most hazardous thing on the road. If it's prudent to use the siren, you use it. If it's prudent to use the warning lights, you use them. That's the standard you'll be judged by if you make a mistake.
Click to expand...

beat me to it...
 
In Iowa we can run just lights. We do many transfers to south Dakota and if it is an emergent transport and we have to flip on lights, by law we have to run sirens too
 
Mariemt said:
In Iowa we can run just lights. We do many transfers to south Dakota and if it is an emergent transport and we have to flip on lights, by law we have to run sirens too
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Must be because of the incredibly dense population in South Dakota.
 
Also OP refer to your companies policy. Most services, especially if CAAS accredited have standards above what is required by law.
 
It's state/county/agency specific.

My state and county say no, sirens DO NOT need to be activated when the disco lights are.

My agency's policy says "all or nothing". Only exception is residential zones after 2230 and before 0630.
 
I asked a stare judge in Texas about this for Texas an emergency vehicle is by law supposed to have their siren on anytime they are running emergency lights while the vehicle is in motion.
 
As an additional note for California, vehicles aren't -required- to pull over unless you have a siren on. The only thing the light does is exempt you from the rules of the road except for due regard and passing school buses with their red lights/stop sign on.

Personally, if the driver can't be trusted to read the situation and determine when the siren is needed, they can't be trusted to read the situation and determine when to engage in otherwise illegal actions.
 
Law is one thing, company policy is the other. Follow company policy unless you are willing to risk your job.

With that said, half the time I don't even turn the lights / sirens on when responding to certain parts of our county and it's early morning. But, I do follow the laws as there's no traffic lights on those areas and you're required to stop at a stop sign anyway.
 
exodus said:
Law is one thing, company policy is the other. Follow company policy unless you are willing to risk your job.

With that said, half the time I don't even turn the lights / sirens on when responding to certain parts of our county and it's early morning. But, I do follow the laws as there's no traffic lights on those areas and you're required to stop at a stop sign anyway.
Click to expand...

If your out east or sky valley lol.

If I'm in DHS I want to drive code to get out of that city fast :rofl:
 
In Maine by law if the lights are on the siren is as well....or you are not considered an emergency vehicle.

Where I am in Canada we are only required to have the siren on when approaching a vehicle, pedestrian, controlled/uncontrolled intersection, blind hills/corners, etc..... company policy is if the lights are on so is the siren.
 
PA protocols say the siren must be energized while operating code 3. I take that to mean that the siren box is on while the siren does not necessarily need to be sounding
 
NJ does not distinguish between lights and sirens but groups them in one term, "Emergency Warning Devices". The law is written in such a manner that they are a single unit. So if your lights are on, your siren is too. Some emergency vehicles are now being built so that when you are in drive and you turn on your lights, the siren automatically turns on....
 
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