State law requires that all vehicles maintain a distance of 300 feet behind any emergency vehicle using either its lights or its siren. If you are in front of an emergency vehicle, move to the right. Now on to Pat Ruhman, a San Jose motorist with a close encounter of a similar kind. Barreling down Winchester was a San Jose fire engine, lights flashing. But no siren on.
State law requires only that emergency vehicles have a red light on at the front of their vehicle.
Especially late at night, the department gives drivers the discretion on using a siren, after numerous complaints from people over the noise. So, if you are on the road at night, heads up. Please leave a daytime phone number. The Mercury News. The information you receive online from The Mercury News is protected by the copyright laws of the United States.