The Shenzhen traffic police department has adopted a system that will not punish car drivers for illegal behaviors, such as running red lights and stopping on zebra crossings, if the violations resulted from giving way to an ambulance.
A recent post advising drivers to make a 45-degree turn to allow an ambulance stuck in a jam to pass went viral, prompting some people to question if they will be punished for any violation that occurs as a result of giving way to an ambulance.
The exemption system has been in effect since 2014. Car drivers don’t need to appeal when encountering such a situation, southcn.com reported.
The normal way that car drivers make way for an ambulance is to make a 45-degree turn. Additionally, car drivers should reduce their speed when they see special vehicles driving on the road. Civilian cars need to let special vehicles go first if the special vehicles need to use the civilian cars’ lane, according to the report.
When driving in front of special vehicles with other lanes available for use, car drivers should not change lanes but rather reduce speed to let the special vehicles pass.
Additionally, car drivers who drive in front of special vehicles, should turn on their signals before changing lanes to make way for special vehicles.
If there is only one lane for cars, car drivers should speed up to make way for special vehicles when driving in front of them. If conditions permit, car drivers should pull over.
Drivers should not drive in emergency lanes.
When waiting at an intersection, drivers should first pass the stop line and then pull over to the right side to make way for special vehicles.