Emergency Exemptions: Breaking Traffic Laws, Legally?

We've all seen it in the movies: a character is speeding to the hospital with an injured person or a pregnant woman in labour in the car. It makes for great drama, but what's the reality? Are you allowed to break traffic laws in an emergency? Even in an emergency, it's illegal to violate traffic laws. Traffic laws are in place to safely control the flow of traffic, and breaking them puts everyone at risk. If you speed or run a red light, you can expect to get pulled over and receive a ticket.

Speeding to the hospital is illegal and can result in a ticket

Aggressive driving behaviours, including speeding, increase the likelihood of a crash. In fact, speeding was the number one factor associated with fatal crashes in 2019, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Therefore, speeding to the hospital, even with good intentions, may ultimately put the patient at greater risk.

Although it may seem like an emergency situation calls for drastic measures, it is important to remember that calling an ambulance is almost always the better option. On average, ambulances arrive at the scene within seven minutes in urban areas and around 13 minutes in rural areas. These response times are swift and allow medical professionals to provide care en route to the hospital or resolve the issue on-site without the need for transport.

Additionally, ambulances are legally permitted to speed and have the right of way when their lights and sirens are activated, allowing them to navigate through traffic quickly and safely. By choosing to drive yourself to the hospital in an emergency, you not only risk breaking the law but also potentially delay the receipt of medical treatment.

While some people may believe that the police will be lenient in emergency situations, this is not always the case. Officers have the discretion to pull over speeding vehicles, issue tickets, and even provide an escort to the hospital. Therefore, it is essential to abide by traffic laws, even when facing a medical emergency.

There is no emergency speed limit

There is no "emergency speed limit". Even in an emergency, it is illegal to violate traffic laws. This is because traffic laws are in place to safely control the flow of traffic. If a driver breaks the speed limit, they put themselves, their passengers, and other road users at risk of serious injury or death in a collision.

In an emergency, the best course of action is to dial 9-1-1 and wait for an ambulance to arrive. Ambulance drivers are allowed to break the speed limit and can navigate through red lights and drive on the wrong side of the road. They can also warn other motorists to get out of the way with sirens and lights.

If you are dealing with a serious emergency and choose to drive yourself to the hospital, you will still be subject to the same traffic laws as other motorists. If a police officer pulls you over, they will likely assist you as best they can, but you may still face a speeding ticket. While you may be able to fight a speeding ticket in certain circumstances, claiming an emergency as a defense is not one of them.

It is important to remember that aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, increase the likelihood of a crash. Therefore, even in an emergency, it is crucial to obey the speed limit and follow other traffic laws to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Breaking traffic laws in an emergency can put yourself and others at risk

When you break traffic laws in an emergency, you not only endanger yourself but also your occupants and other people on the road. Even a slight error in judgment can result in a collision, causing harm to everyone involved. It is important to remember that emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, are equipped and authorised to navigate through traffic quickly with their lights and sirens. They can provide faster and safer transportation to the hospital, as they are exempt from certain traffic laws.

While it is understandable that you want to get yourself or your loved ones to the hospital as quickly as possible in an emergency, breaking traffic laws is not the solution. Instead, it is advisable to call an ambulance, which can navigate through traffic more efficiently and legally. Ambulance response times are generally swift, with an average of seven minutes in urban areas and around 13 minutes in rural areas. This timely response allows for prompt medical attention, either on-site or en route to the hospital.

Additionally, breaking traffic laws can lead to legal consequences. If you choose to speed or disregard traffic signals, you may be pulled over and issued a ticket by law enforcement. Even if you explain the emergency, the police officer may still be sceptical or dismissive. While there are anecdotes of officers providing escorts to the hospital, it is not a guarantee, and you could still receive a fine.

In conclusion, breaking traffic laws in an emergency is not only illegal but also dangerous. It puts yourself, your occupants, and other road users at risk of harm or even death. Instead of risking breaking the law and endangering lives, it is advisable to call an ambulance, which is better equipped and authorised to respond to medical emergencies promptly and safely.

Aggressive driving behaviours increase the likelihood of crashes

Speeding is a common form of aggressive driving, with drivers going well above the posted speed limits or racing other vehicles. This compromises control and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of collisions and escalating the severity of crashes. The faster a vehicle is moving, the longer it takes to stop, and the impact of a crash is more significant, leading to more severe injuries and fatalities.

Tailgating, or following the vehicle ahead too closely, is another aggressive driving behaviour. At high speeds, tailgating reduces the driver's reaction time if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes. Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial to preventing accidents.

Improper lane changes, such as switching lanes abruptly or without signalling, can also lead to sideswipe collisions or chain-reaction accidents. Disregarding traffic controls, such as running stop signs or red lights, further increases the risk of t-bone collisions or multi-vehicle crashes in intersections.

Aggressive driving behaviours are often accompanied by expressions of anger, rage, or frustration. Yelling, gesturing, honking, and flashing high beams at other drivers can escalate tensions and lead to road rage incidents.

The consequences of aggressive driving can be severe, resulting in legal and financial penalties, injuries, and even fatalities. It is essential for drivers to monitor their emotions and behaviours behind the wheel, drive calmly, and follow traffic laws to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

If you receive a ticket in an emergency, there are legal defence options

In an emergency, it is illegal to violate traffic laws. These laws are in place to safely control the flow of traffic. Drivers who disregard the rules of the road under any circumstance put themselves, their passengers, and others at risk of serious injury or death in a collision. Breaking the law will likely result in a ticket, even if the driver is rushing to the hospital.

While it is challenging to defend a traffic ticket incurred due to breaking traffic laws in an emergency, it is not impossible. If you receive a ticket in an emergency, you can explore legal defence options. The fact that your driving behaviour was influenced by the emergency you were attempting to address is a factor that can be considered, and there may be other mitigating circumstances that can strengthen your case.

For instance, you may have valid reasons for choosing to transport someone to the hospital yourself rather than calling an ambulance, such as time and financial constraints. However, it is important to recognise that calling an ambulance is generally a safer option, as it eliminates the risks associated with breaking traffic laws and allows for immediate medical attention in case of a deterioration during transit.

If you need to challenge a traffic ticket obtained in an emergency, consider seeking legal assistance. A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances and provide guidance on the best course of action. They can help you navigate the legal process and improve your chances of a favourable outcome.

Frequently asked questions