Duty of Drivers in Emergency Response Area Violations in Pennsylvania
At the Zuckerman Law Firm LLC, we represent clients facing charges related to violations of Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Section 3327, which governs the duties of emergency drivers. If you are charged with failing to comply with these responsibilities, the consequences can include fines, points on your license, and, in serious cases, criminal liability.
Duty of Drivers in Emergency Response Area Defined
Section 3327 outlines the responsibilities of drivers when passing an Emergency Response area. It provides that when approaching or passing an emergency response area, a person must:
Pass in a non-adjacent lane if possible (i.e. pass in the farthest lane); OR
If you must pass in the adjacent lane, to pass at a speed that is 20mph lower than the posted speed limit and at a speed reasonable for safely passing the emergency response area.
An “Emergency Response Area” includes all of the following:
Location where police officer is conducting a traffic stop or conducting a DUI or traffic checkpoint;
Location where emergency service responders are providing assistance to individuals on or near a roadway;
Area where contractors or employees are performing disaster emergency-related services
Duty of Drivers Passing Disabled Vehicles
When passing a disabled vehicle, the same rules apply. A person must:
Pass in a non-adjacent lane if possible (i.e. pass in the farthest lane); OR
If you must pass in the adjacent lane, to pass at a speed that is 20mph lower than the posted speed limit and at a speed reasonable for safely passing the disabled vehicle.
Penalties for Violating Section 3327
As our firm has represented dozens of individuals facing Duty of Drivers In Emergency Response area violations, it is worth noting that this is rarely charged as a standalone violation. Most individuals facing a Section 3327 violation are also charged with additional violations such as Speeding, Careless Driving, Reckless Driving, or Failing to Obey Persons Directing Traffic.
The following penalties may follow a conviction of this statute:
1st Offense: $500 fine and 2 points on driving record;
2nd Offense: $1000 fine and 2 points on driving record;
3rd Offense: $2000 fine, 2 points and 90-day license suspension
Violation Where Bodily Injury Occurs: Additional fine of up to $1,000
Violation Where Serious Bodily Injury: Additional fine of up to $5,000 and a 90-day license suspension
Violation Where Death Occurs: Additional fine of up to $10,000 and 90-day license suspesnion
Violation Where Serious Bodily Injury occurs in Disabled Vehicle: Additional fine of up to $5,000 and 6-month license suspension
Violation where Serious Bodily Injury of a Responder Occurs: Additional fine of up to $5,000 and 6-month license suspension.
As stated above, most individuals facing this charge are facing multiple other infractions which could carry points or license suspensions.
How Zuckerman Law Firm LLC Can Help
If you are facing a charge related to the duty of an emergency driver under Section 3327, the attorneys at Zuckerman Law Firm LLC can:
Review the facts of your case in detail.
Identify possible defenses or mitigating circumstances.
Negotiate with officers to reduce penalties or points on your license.
Represent you aggressively in court to protect your rights and driving privileges.
Don’t risk your driving record or future. Contact Zuckerman Law Firm LLC at 412-447-5580 today for a consultation regarding Section 3327 charges.