Why do police have exemption from traffic regulations?
The police have been given a statutory exemption to deviate from the general traffic regulations if necessary for their work. The exemption states that the police officer is exempt from the provisions of the Traffic Rules and Signs Regulations 1990.
What traffic rules are police allowed to deviate from?
The police are exempt from all articles of the Traffic Rules & Signs Regulations (RVV).This means, for example, that the police may exceed the speed limit. Also, the police may, for example:
driving through at a red traffic light;
driving on the emergency lane;
driving in places where others may not such as a streetcar lane, bus lane and sidewalk;
overtaking across a continuous line;
Parking or standing where prohibited for others.
What does the Branch Directive on Police Traffic say?
These guidelines contain agreements on how police officers should behave in traffic. For example, it states when they are allowed to exceed the speed limit or when they can drive with flashing lights and sirens. It also states what kind of training they must have in order to be allowed to drive through traffic in this way.
Can the police just drive too fast with flashing lights and siren?
The police use flashing lights and sirens primarily in emergency situations. To get to the scene quickly, they often drive fast. This does not mean that police officers may drive recklessly or endanger other traffic. Of course, you can file an official complaint about reckless driving by the police.
Do the police always use flashing lights and siren in traffic during an emergency?
The police may use optical and audio signals only with the permission of the control room. This permission expires if, for example, another emergency service has already arrived at the scene of the incident. Thus, it may happen that a police vehicle with flashing lights and siren crosses an intersection, only to continue with normal traffic soon after. In some situations, police drive with urgency but without flashing lights and siren. For example, in hostage situations, robberies, burglaries and suicides. The police do this to increase the chances of catching offenders in the act, or to prevent things from becoming (even) more serious.
What should I do if a police vehicle uses flashing lights and siren?
If a police vehicle uses flashing lights and siren, it is a priority vehicle. As a road user, you must then grant the police vehicle free passage under all circumstances. When using flashing lights and siren, the police vehicle is generally on its way to an emergency.
When is the use of flashing lights and sirens allowed?
Emergency services such as police, ambulance and fire department may use so-called optical signals (blue flashing light) and sound signals (siren). The rules of use for these are in the 2009 Optical and Sound Signals Regulations.
If you want to learn more about types of flashing lights and colors, check out the government website.
