OAR 737-100-0030: Designation of Emergency Vehicles

(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.