(a) (1) Upon the approach of a public safety vehicle or coroner's vehicle, equipped with at least one flashing, rotating, or oscillating light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle, and the driver is giving an audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle, or bell, no driver of any other vehicle shall fail to yield the right-of-way, immediately drive, if practical, to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection, and stop and remain in that position until the public safety vehicle or coroner's vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
(2) This division does not relieve the driver of a public safety vehicle or coroner's vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property upon the highway.
(3) This division applies to a coroner's vehicle only when the vehicle is operated in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4511.171, or a substantially similar municipal ordinance. As used in this section, "coroner's vehicle" means a vehicle used by a coroner, deputy coroner or coroner's investigator that is equipped with a flashing, oscillating or rotating red or blue light and a siren, exhaust whistle or bell capable of giving an audible signal.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates division (a) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.45)
(c) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn into a private road or driveway, alley or building from a public street or highway shall be governed by the following rules:
(1) Approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(2) Upon a roadway where traffic is proceeding in opposite directions, approach for a left turn and a left turn shall be made from that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the centerline thereof.
(3) Upon a roadway where traffic is restricted to one direction, approach for a left turn and a left turn shall be made as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(d) It shall be the duty of the driver of any vehicle entering a private road or driveway, alley or building to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully using the sidewalk or sidewalk area extending across the private road or driveway, alley or building.
(e) If the offender commits the offense while distracted and the distracting activity is a contributing factor to the commission of the offense, the offender is subject to the additional fine established under § 408.02(b).
(Ord. 75-72. Passed 8-19-75.)