Is it Legal to Run a Red Light in Maine to Let Emergency Vehicles Pass?

There you are sitting at a red light waiting for it to change to green when all of a sudden, police sirens are blaring and lights are flashing behind you. You've got nowhere to go, so you run the red light to get out of the way. Is that legal in Maine?

Can You Run a Red Light in Maine to Let Emergency Vehicles Pass?

It seems like it would be a good idea to run a red light so that emergency vehicles can pass through, but think again.

The answer is a big no. In every state in the US, civilian drivers are not allowed to run a red light to let an emergency vehicle pass. Only emergency vehicles can run red lights. With today's technology, many traffic lights can now detect when an emergency vehicle is approaching and will set all directions to a red light to let the emergency vehicle safely pass.

So, What Should You Do?

Instead of running the red light, move your car slowly to the right side of the road, and if possible, do it while keeping the intersection clear. Entering the intersection even on a green light with emergency vehicles approaching is dangerous.

Stay stopped at the red light until the emergency vehicles have passed, and wait until the intersection is clear before entering. If you do run a red light in this situation, you still could get a ticket for it.

Keep in mind that the drivers of these emergency vehicles know what they are doing. They've been trained to find their way through traffic and get through as quickly and safely as possible.