Where to find NYS MV&T laws?

[Guest emtb23]

Where can I find the section of NYS MV&T law that pertains to operation of emergency vehicles?

I've found this: http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/ems/policy/00-13.htm , but it refers to the V&T law, which is what I'm looking for.

[Guest alsfirefighter]

Here's a link to a directory of all NYS laws:

http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/menugetf...OMMONQUERY=LAWS

The link doesn't change as you navigate from section to section so I can't post a direct link to Section 1104 but scroll down to the bottom to "VAT" for the V & T section and you can then find the section you want and click on it.

If you need any further assistance let me know I instructor EVOC as an SFI.

[Guest emtb23]

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for.

Why does it seem like the rules laid out in the first link go into further detail than there is in section 1104? For example, the first link says:

"Before entering the intersection the operator must reduce the speed of the vehicle to be able to stop the vehicle if necessary to permit such safe passage. They should come to a complete stop if they have a red signal or stop sign" and cites "NFPA 1500 4-2.7(©"

Regarding the same issue, NYS V&T law says:

"Proceed past a steady red signal, a flashing red signal or a stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation" (1104)

I googled NFPA 1500 and it's: "NFPA 1500: Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program."

So what gives with the differences?

[Guest alsfirefighter]

The difference is one is the law regarding the operation of motor vehicles within NY State, hence Vehicle and Traffic Law and is enforcable via fines/imprisonment.

NFPA standards are the nationally accepted standards for fire service (and EMS falls under them also) operations, equipment etc. There is a section within NFPA 1500 that deals with emergency vehicle operation and is much more strigent then NY State's V & T law. While there is no regulatory enforcement capability, in the event that you have an Motor Vehicle Collision, they will look to see whether you complied with NYS V & T law on the scene (law enforcment) and if it goes further, ie. criminal and/or civil court, they will use NFPA against you.

If you are looking into this to write a policy, I highly suggest you follow that as outlined in NFPA 1500 being it is supercedes the requirements within NYS V & T law. You cannot go wrong in this fashion.

Many states who mirrored NY with the "slowing down" wording have changed their laws to reflect coming to a complete stop. NY hasn't gotten around to that small change apparantly yet.

[SteveOFD 176]

NFPA Standards are what are called "consensus standards". What this means is that they are put together by a majority consensus of the voting members of the NFPA. In other words these are rules that are put togther by your peers in your industry (fire/ems). Other sections of the NFPA have other standards that are voted on by their peers (electricians on the the National Electical Code, HVAC techs for Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, and many other codes). All members of the NFPA can make recommendations and vote on any and all standards up for revision.

So, if you do get brought in to court for an intersection incident (as NYS Law says to slow down at an intersection , and NFPA says to stop at the intersection) a prosecuting attorney will address the jury with the fact that even though you obeyed NYS Law, you disregarded an industry standard that a majority of your fellow firefighters and EMT's have adopted and abide by. The jury will listen to this and decide your fate on this presentation. Stay safe.