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Running a red light to let ambulances pass can save you from a fine, but there are important details you need to know to avoid penalties.
Imagine the scene: an ambulance is approaching quickly, the siren echoes down the street, and you are stopped at a red light. What should you do? If you run a red light, you will be committing a traffic violation.
However, failing to make way for emergency vehicles is also against the law. It seems like an unsolvable dilemma, right? What many drivers don't know is that the answer to this surprising situation is provided for in the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB).
While the instinct may be to avoid the infraction, making way for an ambulance in an emergency may not be as simple as it seems. What does the law say, and how can you act correctly without being penalized? The answer may be different than you imagine.
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What does the Brazilian Traffic Code say?
According to Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), the driver who do not give way to emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire engines or police cars, with the siren on, is committing a very serious offense.
Article 189 makes it clear that it is mandatory to make space for these vehicles when they are on emergency duty. However, the question that confuses many is: what happens if the signal is red?
The National Traffic Secretariat (Senatran) explains that, even when the light is red, drivers must give way to emergency vehicles. This means that, in emergency situations, running the light may be necessary.
What if there is a fine?
Here is the point that generates the most doubts. According to Senatran, when running a red light to give way, the driver will not be penalized with a fine, as long as the emergency vehicle is properly identified and in service with sirens on.
The traffic authority is able to verify that both the vehicle and the ambulance passed through the location at the same time and date., and thus, the ticketing system will automatically cancel the penalties applicable to the driver who opened the way.
However, if the emergency vehicle passes through the traffic light while the light is already green and the driver proceeds through the red light, the situation may be different.
In this case, It is important to note the ambulance's license plate number or other emergency vehicle to facilitate the opening of an appeal if a fine is applied. With the identification, the The traffic authority can access images and confirm the occurrence, which makes it easier for the driver to defend himself.
What should I do if I receive a fine?
If you receive a ticket for running a red light while giving way to an emergency vehicle, there are ways to contest the penalty.
Note the license plate of the emergency vehicle and recording the incident are essential measures. This type of documentation can facilitate the approval of the appeal, as the traffic authority can check the monitoring cameras and prove that the driver acted correctly. Identifying the vehicle or ambulance is essential in this process..
Moreover, do not give way to emergency vehicles is considered one of the most serious infractions of the Brazilian Traffic Code.
The fine for this infraction is R$293,47 and adds seven points to the National Driver's License (CNH). Therefore, in addition to being a matter of safety and social responsibility, giving way to ambulances and vehicles is a way of avoiding severe penalties.
What if there is a collision?
One detail that is often not discussed is the possibility of an accident when running a red light. In this scenario, the responsibility falls on the driver. driver who ran the traffic light, even if the reason was to make way for an ambulance.
In the event of an accident, it is always recommended that the driver also records the incident and reports that he or she acted in response to an emergency., as this may influence the assessment of traffic authorities.
Furthermore, it is worth remembering that communication with the competent authorities can help resolve disputes more quickly and avoid undue penalties.
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