Disabled Vehicles
520.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Vehicle Code § 20018 provides that all law enforcement agencies having responsibility for traffic enforcement may develop and adopt a written policy to provide assistance to motorists in disabled vehicles within their primary jurisdiction.
520.2 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITY
When an on-duty officer observes a disabled vehicle on the roadway, the officer should make a reasonable effort to provide assistance. If that officer is assigned to a call of higher priority, the dispatcher should be advised of the location of the disabled vehicle and the need for assistance. The dispatcher should then assign another available officer to respond for assistance as soon as practical.
520.3 EXTENT OF ASSISTANCE
In most cases, a disabled motorist will require assistance. After arrangements for assistance are made, continued involvement by department personnel will be contingent on the time of day, the location, the availability of departmental resources, and the vulnerability of the disabled motorist.
520.3.1 MECHANICAL REPAIRS
Department personnel shall not make mechanical repairs to a disabled vehicle. The use of push bumpers to relocate vehicles to a position of safety is not considered a mechanical repair.
520.3.2 RELOCATION OF DISABLED VEHICLES
The relocation of disabled vehicles by members of this department by pushing or pulling a vehicle should only occur when the conditions reasonably indicate that immediate movement is necessary to reduce a hazard presented by the disabled vehicle.
520.3.3 RELOCATION OF DISABLED MOTORIST
The relocation of a disabled motorist should only occur with the person’s consent and should be suggested when conditions reasonably indicate that immediate movement is necessary to mitigate a potential hazard. The department member may stay with the disabled motorist or transport him/ her to a safe area to await pickup.
520.4 PUBLIC ACCESS TO THIS POLICY
This written policy is available upon request.
