Fire Trucks in Carpool Lanes

Introduction to the Issue

Today while driving on the 405 Freeway, a city fire truck in Los Angeles County was spotted in the carpool lane with only one person in it. The truck was not responding to an emergency but was an equipment truck with various items. This sighting raised questions about whether fire departments receive special treatment in carpool lanes.

Understanding the Law

Qualifying fire department vehicles, as well as police ones, can drive solo in the carpool lanes if responding to an emergency, according to California Highway Patrol officer and spokesman Fernando Perez. This exemption under state law is sensible, given the nature of their work. It might include a fire truck heading out to check on a potentially dangerous situation or fire trucks back-filling another station’s vehicles called out on assignment.

Specific Situations

The exemption can be applied to pretty much any call, as explained by Perez. It’s not necessary for the emergency lights to be on to qualify for this exemption. Similarly, the CHP would be exempt if pursuing a motorist who broke a traffic law. However, in the case of the observed fire truck, it was unclear if the official was responding to a legitimate call or simply wanted to get home.

Additional Facts

Vehicle Theft Statistics

Last year in California, 176,230 vehicles were stolen, according to the CHP. Of those, 43% were personal trucks or sport-utility vehicles; 39%, cars; 6% were commercial trucks or trailers; and 5% percent motorcycles. The cars most often taken included the 2015 Kia Optima, 2013 Hyundai Elantra, and 2013 Hyundai Sonata. Trucks or sports-utility vehicles most often stolen were the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2006 Chevrolet Silverado.

Toll Road Exemptions for Veterans

Drivers who qualify for a disabled veteran’s license plate but prefer not to have one will soon be able to travel toll-free on certain Orange County toll roads. Starting October 1, they can take advantage of this perk on the 241, 73, 133, and 261 toll roads. To qualify, one must have approval by the Department of Motor Vehicles for a DV registration-fee exemption, a California license plate, and a FasTrak account with the special designation. The driver must renew this privilege annually.

Conclusion

Fire trucks, like certain other emergency vehicles, can use carpool lanes with only the driver if they are headed to a fire or another call. This is a sensible exemption under California state law, recognizing the critical nature of their missions. While the specifics of each situation can vary, the law aims to facilitate rapid response times when necessary.

FAQs

• Q: Can fire trucks use carpool lanes with only one person?
  • A: Yes, if they are responding to an emergency or call.
• Q: What other vehicles are exempt from carpool lane restrictions?
  • A: Police vehicles, under certain conditions, and other emergency vehicles may also be exempt.
• Q: How can disabled veterans travel toll-free on certain roads?
  • A: By having a DV registration-fee exemption, a California license plate, and a specifically designated FasTrak account, and renewing the privilege annually.