California Vehicle Code 21806 requires all drivers to yield the right-of-way to authorized emergency vehicles — police, fire, ambulance — that are sounding a siren and displaying a red light. The required response is to drive immediately to the right-hand curb or edge of the road, clear of intersections, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes. Failure to yield carries 1 DMV point and elevated fines reflecting the serious public safety stakes.
Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle which is sounding a siren and which has at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light visible from the front, the surrounding traffic shall, except as otherwise directed by a traffic officer: (1) Except as required under paragraph (2), drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection, and thereupon stop and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed. (2) If driving on a one-way roadway, drive to the right-hand or left-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection, and thereupon stop and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.
(b)
This section does not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.
Amended by Stats. 1963, Ch. 1740. Effective September 20, 1963.
Fine & Penalty Amounts
Estimated totals include all mandatory state and county penalty assessments. Actual amounts vary by county court.
Violation Range
Est. Total with Assessments
Notes
Failure to yield to emergency vehicle
~$490–$1,000
Elevated fine reflects public safety priority; exact total varies by county.
Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle carries a higher base fine than most standard moving violations. After California penalty assessments, the total can range from $490 to $1,000 or more depending on the county and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.
Under VC 21806, when an authorized emergency vehicle is sounding a siren and displaying a red light, you must immediately drive to the right-hand curb or edge of the road — clear of any intersection — and stop. You must remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has completely passed. On a one-way road, you may pull to either edge.
VC 21806 requires both a siren and a red light to be active. If the emergency vehicle is displaying lights but not sounding a siren — or vice versa — the strict duty to pull over and stop under this section may not technically apply, though drivers are always expected to exercise caution around emergency vehicles.
The fine is elevated compared to standard moving violations, typically ranging from $490 to $1,000 or more after California penalty assessments. The exact total depends on the county.
Yes. A conviction adds 1 point to your California DMV driving record for 36 months from the violation date.
Yes. Defenses include arguing that the emergency vehicle was not properly sounding a siren or displaying a required red light, that you did pull over as quickly as safely possible given traffic conditions, or that the intersection created a hazard that prevented an immediate stop. A Trial by Written Declaration lets you contest in writing.
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