Section 21809 Of Chapter 4. Right-of-way From California Vehicle Code >> Division 11. >> Chapter 4.
21809
. (a) A person driving a vehicle on a freeway approaching a
stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency
lights, a stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber
warning lights, or a stationary marked Department of Transportation
vehicle that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, shall
approach with due caution and, before passing in a lane immediately
adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, or
Department of Transportation vehicle, absent other direction by a
peace officer, proceed to do one of the following:
(1) Make a lane change into an available lane not immediately
adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, or
Department of Transportation vehicle, with due regard for safety and
traffic conditions, if practicable and not prohibited by law.
(2) If the maneuver described in paragraph (1) would be unsafe or
impracticable, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe
for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic
conditions.
(b) A violation of subdivision (a) is an infraction, punishable by
a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50).
(c) The requirements of subdivision (a) do not apply if the
stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency
lights, the stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber
warning lights, or the stationary marked Department of Transportation
vehicle that is displaying flashing amber warning lights is not
adjacent to the freeway or is separated from the freeway by a
protective physical barrier.