Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 9, September 1, 2024
(1) This rule
applies to vehicles designated as emergency vehicles by the Transportation
Safety Office of the Department of Transportation (Transportation Safety) under
the authority of ORS 801.260.
(2)
An ambulance is considered an emergency vehicle.
(3) This rule does not apply to ODOT
Emergency or Incident Response Vehicles or operators.
(4) Transportation Safety Office will
consider issuance of an emergency vehicle designation upon receipt of:
(a) A written request from the owner, that
details:
(A) A complete description of the
vehicle. This includes year model, make, body style, identification number, and
the Oregon plate number, if a plate is assigned;
(B) How the vehicle will be used in emergency
situations;
(C) The explicit need
for this type of emergency vehicle in the area where it will be used;
and
(D) Any other data that shows
special qualifications of the vehicle for emergency use. For example, it was
manufactured as a fire truck, or, it has been specially converted or equipped
with emergency supplies, life support equipment, etc.
(b) A map, detailing the actual area or
routes where the vehicle will be used as an emergency vehicle;
(c) A certification, signed by a competent
mechanic, that the vehicle is in a safe operating condition;
(d) A written recommendation from the
sheriff's office of the county of registration of the vehicle; and
(e) Written recommendation(s) from all other
law enforcement agencies in the area(s) in which the vehicle will be used as an
emergency vehicle.
(5)
Designated emergency vehicles shall be equipped with warning lights and sirens
as required by ORS 801.260 that:
(a) Comply
with Oregon law regarding types and usage, and with standards and requirements
of Transportation Safety; and
(b)
Are used only in emergency situations and as allowed by Oregon law.
(6) Designations that are approved
shall be reviewed by Transportation Safety every two years to assure the
vehicle and its usage still qualify for the designation. New data, as listed in
section (3) of this rule, may be requested from the owner.
(7) Special traffic law privileges of ORS
820.300 and 820.320 apply to drivers of designated emergency vehicles:
(a) When the vehicle is actually being used
in an emergency situation; and
(b)
When the vehicle is operated in compliance with all traffic laws, including
these special privileges.
(8) An emergency vehicle designation shall
not be issued for law enforcement purposes.
(9) An emergency vehicle designation shall
not authorize the vehicle to use blue warning lights.
(10) An emergency vehicle designation shall
not be transferred to another vehicle. The owner may submit a written request
that a replacement vehicle be designated. The request shall include:
(a) A description of both vehicles;
(b) A statement that there have been no
changes in the emergency use of the vehicle; and
(c) A competent mechanic's certification for
the replacement vehicle.
(11) An emergency vehicle designation issued
under these rules may be cancelled when:
(a)
The vehicle has been sold;
(b) The
vehicle will no longer be used as an emergency vehicle or in the area specified
in the owner's request;
(c) A law
enforcement agency requests cancellation due to abuse or violation of the
designation or special traffic law privileges, or withdrawal of their favorable
recommendation;
(d) A city, county
or other governing body requests, and provides supporting data for
cancellation;
(e) The vehicle is
operated as an emergency vehicle other than as permitted by the
designation;
(f) The vehicle is
operated in violation of Oregon law; or
(g) There is no longer a need because
adequate emergency services are now provided in the area.
Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 184.619, 801.260, 820.350 & 820.370
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 801.260, 815.230, 816.310,
820.300, 820.320, 820.350 &
820.370
