California Vehicle Code

§ 21809

VEH § 21809 Effective Jan 1, 2026Div. 11 · Ch. 4

Statute text

(a)A person driving a vehicle on a highway approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency lights, a stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, a stationary marked highway maintenance vehicle that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or any other stationary vehicle displaying flashing hazard lights or another warning device, including, but not limited to, cones, flares, or retroreflective devices, shall approach with due caution and, before passing in a lane immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance vehicle, or any other 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 that is displaying emergency lights, a stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, a stationary marked highway maintenance vehicle that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or any other stationary vehicle displaying flashing hazard lights or another warning device, including, but not limited to, cones, flares, or retroreflective devices, 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.

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Legislative history

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 58, Sec. 1. (AB 390) Effective January 1, 2026.