RCW 46.61.210 requires Washington drivers to yield to any approaching emergency vehicle and move “immediately” to the right. But what if the emergency vehicle doesn’t have its siren on, or you don’t see or hear it for a few moments? Or, even worse, what if you can’t get over fast enough? Many of our clients find themselves in this situation and end up risking a massive fine and increased insurance rates.
Under RCW 46.61.212, drivers approaching any stopped police officer, fire truck or ambulance along the road are required to treat the area as an “emergency zone” and move away from the zone. This is a fairly new law in Washington. Many people don’t know about it until they get a massive ticket for over $1,000. On busy Washington roads, drivers can be put in complicated situations. They may not know about their obligations or they may not be able to move away from the zone fast enough. Sometimes busy traffic conditions, bad weather or a situation inside the vehicle can keep a driver from getting over in time.
Even worse, some drivers end up being charged the crime of Reckless Driving (RCW 56.61.500) if the officer or trooper decides that the conduct was especially hazardous. If that happens, the driver is risking potential jail time and an automatic license suspension, not to mention a criminal record.
Every day in court, we see drivers try to explain away these tickets to judges. They almost always lose. Not because they are bad drivers or bad people but because they don’t understand unfamiliar court procedures and the best way to procedurally challenge these tickets.
If you’ve been ticketed for Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle or received an Emergency Zone ticket, help is available. At Leist Law Office, PS, in Seattle, our founding attorney Scott Leist can handle the matter for you. Scott is a former Seattle police officer and prosecutor, as well as an experienced defense lawyer. When he takes your case, he will fight back against your traffic infraction.
Scott Leist is known for aggressively and creatively defending his clients in courts all over Washington and especially in Pierce County, King County, Snohomish County and cities large and small. He provides strong legal representation to help minimize the impact of your traffic ticket and give you peace of mind.
Our Washington Traffic Defense firm will help protect you and fight back against this violation. We can often resolve the matter over the phone. You won’t be required to visit our law office, and we can appear on your behalf in court.
Fight Back Against Your Traffic Ticket. Call Us.
Do not wait to contact us if you have received a traffic citation. We will start reviewing your case to find the best possible outcome. We represent clients in Seattle and throughout the state. Contact us online or call 206-219-5557 for a free case review.
