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Guidelines for the
Application of Emergency Vehicle Initiated Preemption |
| SCOPE: |
| Whereas the Department is responsible for approving all requests to allow emergency vehicle-initiated preemption of traffic signals on the State Highway System, these guidelines have been developed to insure the safe and efficient application of emergency vehicle-initiated traffic signal preemption on this System. These preemptive devices effect a change in the normal sequence of a traffic signal by an automatic or manual transmission from an approaching vehicle. Existing technologies for these transmissions from vehicle to the traffic signal are radio, light and sound. These guidelines identify eligible vehicles, preemption request procedures, preemption equipment requirements, and Interagency agreement requirements. |
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| ELIGIBLE VEHICLES: |
| Official first response emergency vehicles that utilize sirens and red flashing lights to provide services to the public which prevent loss of life and property are eligible vehicles. "Official" vehicles are fire-fighting and emergency medical services vehicles owned, operated and maintained by the emergency response agency or authority. Authorized law enforcement vehicles that utilize sirens and blue flashing lights are eligible vehicles. |
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| PREEMPTION REQUEST PROCEDURES: |
| The requesting agency or authority submits all preemption requests to the Division Engineer with a list of signalized intersections proposed to be preempted and all vehicles they are proposing be authorized to preempt these traffic signals. The vehicle make, model and state license tag number is to be provided. The Division Engineer initiates an engineering investigation to insure overall safety and efficient traffic operation is not jeopardized by the addition of preemption at the requested signalized intersection(s). Volumes, occupancy, phasing, timing, coordination, frequency and time of day emergency vehicle runs, agencies' policies, and related issues are addressed in the investigation. Traffic signal plans documenting the addition of preemption must be approved and on file with the Traffic Engineering and Safety Systems Branch prior to notice to proceed with construction. |
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| PREEMPTION EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS: |
| All preemption equipment must be on the Traffic Signal Equipment Qualified Products List. The Traffic Engineering and Safety Systems Branch manages this QPL and is responsible for assuring the equipment is reliable, cost effective, and compatible with NCDOT and agency requirements. |
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| INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS: |
| The requesting agency or authority must enter into a binding Emergency Vehicle Initiated Preemption Agreement with NCDOT. Each agreement must stipulate NCDOT compliance criteria and cost responsibilities for analysis, design, equipment, installation and maintenance. |
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| October 1, 1999 |
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NC DOT
NC DOH
NC GOV
