TRANSPORTATION CODE

TITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC

SUBTITLE C. RULES OF THE ROAD

CHAPTER 546. OPERATION OF AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN OTHER VEHICLES

SUBCHAPTER A. AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES

Sec. 546.001.  PERMISSIBLE CONDUCT.  In operating an authorized emergency vehicle the operator may:

(1)  park or stand, irrespective of another provision of this subtitle;

(2)  proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, after slowing as necessary for safe operation;

(3)  exceed a maximum speed limit, except as provided by an ordinance adopted under Section 545.365, as long as the operator does not endanger life or property; and

(4)  disregard a regulation governing the direction of movement or turning in specified directions.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 546.002.  WHEN CONDUCT PERMISSIBLE.  (a)  In this section, “police escort” means facilitating the movement of a funeral, oversized or hazardous load, or other traffic disruption for public safety purposes by a peace officer described by Articles 2.12(1)-(4), (8), and (22), Code of Criminal Procedure.

(b)  Section 546.001 applies only when the operator is:

(1)  responding to an emergency call;

(2)  pursuing an actual or suspected violator of the law;

(3)  responding to but not returning from a fire alarm;

(4)  directing or diverting traffic for public safety purposes; or

(5)  conducting a police escort.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 66, Sec. 1, eff. May 16, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 834, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.