Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle – C.R.S. 42-4-705

This statute deals with the failure to move out of the way of emergency vehicles when those vehicles are responding to an emergency. The statute mandates that a person pull over either to the furthest left lane or as near to the right-hand curb or shoulder as safely as possible if they see an emergency vehicle driving with the overhead lights activated.

Importantly, this statute applies to not only police and emergency response teams but also applies to tow trucks and other emergency vehicles with flashing lights. In addition, the statute creates special requirements in certain circumstances. It lays out that if a highway has two adjacent lanes to the left of a stopped vehicle, a person must move to the left. If a person passes a slow-moving maintenance vehicle, that person must exercise additional due care and caution when passing. If a person is in an area where chains are required, that person must also exercise additional due care and caution when passing.

There is a multitude of different ways that this charge can be filed and prosecuted depending on the circumstances of each case. A violation of this statute can result in a class A traffic infraction and it can range up to a class 6 felony.

With a possible range of consequences as potentially serious as a felony, it is essential that you consult with an experienced attorney today. If you find yourself charged with failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, contact us one of our experienced Denver traffic attorneys for a free consult today.