ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Standard Operating Guidelines
Driving Policies and Guidelines
DRAFT
01/06
Page 1 of 8
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to establish procedures and guidelines for the safe operation of
all vehicles and apparatus when negotiating roadways and intersections. All Drivers must
maintain a healthy vigilance to safety and awareness of the hazards associated with driving
emergency vehicles.
Scope
All Albuquerque Fire Department personnel who operate and respond in emergency vehicles and
their supervisors shall follow this procedure.
No member of the Albuquerque Fire Department regardless of rank will be allowed to drive
and/or operate an Engine, Rescue, Ladder or Squad on roads or highways, in an emergency
(code 3) manner unless they are certified to drive the apparatus. Only after completion of the
Suppression Drivers Academy will a Firefighter 1st Class be allowed to operate an Engine,
Ladder or Squad in a non-emergency manner on roads and highways. This is done only for the
purpose of accumulating “Driving Hours” before the Firefighter tests for certification.
These rules, regulations, and Procedures do not relieve the driver of an
authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the
safety of all persons nor does it protect the driver from the consequences of
his/her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
All personnel must be familiar with the rules, regulations and procedures that apply to
emergency vehicle operations. These rules, regulations and procedures include New Mexico
State Law and the Albuquerque Fire Department Operating Procedures.
New Mexico State Laws
The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Code (New Mexico Criminal and Traffic Law Manual (66-7-6)
gives only four privileges to emergency vehicle drivers and it gives conditions to the use of these
privileges:
1. Park or stand irrespective of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code.
2. Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as necessary
for safe operation.
3. Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property.
4. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Standard Operating Guidelines
Driving Policies and Guidelines
DRAFT
01/06
Page 2 of 8
The exemptions granted to an authorized emergency vehicle apply only when the driver of the
vehicle, while in motion, sounds an audible signal by bell, siren or exhaust whistle as reasonably
necessary and when the vehicle is equipped with at least one lighted lamp displaying a red light
visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet to the front of
the vehicle. All other laws apply.
This section does not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to
drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor does it protect the driver from the
consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Other New Mexico State laws that apply to emergency vehicle operators:
 Comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer invested by law with the
authority to direct, control or regulate traffic.
 Do not pass school busses that are loading or unloading passengers.
 Do not leave the scene of an accident that you are involved in.
The Albuquerque Fire Department has chosen to further clarify, restrict, and regulate the
privileges granted by the Motor Vehicle Code by adoption of these Standard Operating
Procedures.
Emergency Response
The use of sirens and warning lights does not automatically give the right-of-way to the
emergency vehicle. These devices simply request the right-of-way from other drivers, based on
their awareness of the emergency vehicle presence. Emergency vehicle drivers must make every
possible effort to make their presence and intended actions known to other drivers, and must
drive defensively to be prepared for the unexpected inappropriate actions of others.
All AFD members will use seatbelts while ridding in any city vehicle. No members’ safety will
be compromised by allowing them to don personal protective equipment at the expense of
wearing a seatbelt. The Company Officer and Driver of the vehicle will confirm that all members
are inside the cab, properly attired, seated with seat belts on, before the vehicle is permitted to
move. Riding on the apparatus tailboard or other exposed positions is not permitted on any
vehicle at any time.
No firefighter will be allowed to drive any Fire Department apparatus code 3 (emergency lights
and sirens) until they are certified on the particular apparatus, by the Albuquerque Fire Academy.
The only exception will be a code 3 response to a hospital with a patient, in which the member
driving the Rescue may be a promoted Driver or a firefighter who can upgrade to the
Suppression Driver rank.
ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Standard Operating Guidelines
Driving Policies and Guidelines
DRAFT
01/06
Page 3 of 8
During a code 3 response emergency lights and sirens will be used, and the apparatus will drive
in the far left lane. Avoid passing a vehicle on the right. If a vehicle stops in the path of an
emergency vehicle, it may be passed on the right once it is reasonably established that the
vehicle is completely stopped. If the siren is turned off during a response, the vehicle is no
longer considered an emergency vehicle and its driver shall obey all traffic laws.
A code 3 response is authorized only in conjunction with emergency incidents. Unnecessary
emergency response shall be avoided. In order to avoid any unnecessary emergency response,
the following rules shall apply:
 When the first unit reports on the scene with “nothing showing” or an equivalent report,
any additional units shall continue code 3, but shall not exceed the posted speed limit
 The first arriving unit will advise additional units to respond code 1 (no emergency lights
or sirens) whenever appropriate.
Emergency vehicle drivers must drive defensively, and be prepared for unexpected,
inappropriate actions of others.
NEVER exceed posted speed limits by more than 10 mph during code 3 responses and only in
light traffic and good weather conditions.
Apparatus shall not be driven faster than existing conditions permit or at a speed greater than can
be maintained with safety.
During emergency response (code 3), drivers of fire apparatus shall bring the vehicle to a
complete stop under any of the following circumstances:
 When directed by a law enforcement officer
 Red traffic lights
 Stop signs
 Negative right-of-way intersections
 Blind intersections
 When the driver cannot account for all lanes of traffic in an intersection
 When encountering a stopped school bus with flashing and warning lights
 When other intersection hazards are present
During emergency response, the driver must use common sense and good judgment. A speedy
response is gained through a safe and efficient means of operation, not by taking unnecessary
risks. Never endanger life or property under any circumstances.
Officers or other members in command of apparatus, which are canceled during an emergency
response, shall cause it to be changed from emergency to non-emergency operation, in a
controlled and safe manner to avoid confusion by the public. Always consider the public
response.
ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Standard Operating Guidelines
Driving Policies and Guidelines
DRAFT
01/06
Page 4 of 8
Due to the tremendous danger posed to children and pedestrian traffic by emergency vehicles
while responding to calls through residential neighborhoods this practice is hereby restricted.
Travel through residential neighborhoods shall be made only when it is necessary to reach an
emergency scene location contained therein.
During a code 1 response, the vehicle is to be driven in a routine, non-emergency manner. No
warning devices, including traffic preemption devices, shall be utilized.
Prompt, Safe Response Shall be Attained by:
 Leaving the station in a standard manner:
 Quickly mounting apparatus
 All personnel on board, seated with seatbelts on
 Station doors fully open
 Driving defensively and professionally at reasonable speeds.
 Knowing where we are going.
 Using warning devices to move around traffic and to request the right-of-way in a safe
and predictable manner.
Fast Response Shall Not Be Obtained By:
 Leaving quarters before crew has mounted safely and before apparatus doors are fully
open.
 Driving too fast for conditions.
 Driving recklessly or without regard for safety.
 Taking unnecessary chances with negative right-of-way intersections.
 Intimidating or scaring other drivers.
Controlled and Uncontrolled Intersections
Intersections present the greatest potential danger to emergency vehicles. When approaching and
crossing an intersection, drivers shall not exceed the posted speed limit. Never, ever assume you
have the right of way because you are using the emergency warning lights and sirens.
Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast,
etc.). Observe traffic in all four directions (left, right, front, rear). Drivers shall proceed through
intersections only when the driver can account for all lanes of traffic in the intersections.
When approaching an intersection while responding to an emergency, drivers will:

At all intersections with green lights or where the apparatus has the right-of-way, the
emergency driver will slow down as necessary to ensure safe operation by removing the
throttle and covering the brake pedal.
ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Standard Operating Guidelines
Driving Policies and Guidelines
DRAFT
01/06
Page 5 of 8

When approaching an intersection where all lanes are blocked, turn off all sirens and
horns at least 200 ft. before the stopped traffic is reached. Leave emergency lights on, and
bring apparatus to a stop at least 100 ft. from nearest traffic. Never encourage or force
(in any way) traffic to proceed against red lights or to advance into dangerous traffic
conditions.

Stop for all uncontrolled intersections, stop signs, yellow and red lights. Proceed through
the intersection only when it is safe to do so.
“Bucking” or going against the flow of traffic during the course of an emergency response is
strictly prohibited. Moves against the normal flow of traffic may only be made within one block
of an incident, and then only for the purpose of positioning vehicles, and or equipment.
AFD employees violating a red light at a Photo Enforcement Intersection; whose action cannot
be cleared by a documented response may be financially responsible for the citation. The driver
and supervisor may face disciplinary action.
Opticom controlled Intersections
The primary function of intersections controlled by an Opticom is to allow emergency response
vehicles to secure the right of way through these intersections in as safe and efficient a manner as
possible, a benefit of which is a quickened response. Intersections that are so controlled require a
heightened level of awareness, and understanding.
The following additional requirements will apply while responding to emergencies with
emergency lights and sirens through intersections controlled by an Opticom:
An encounter by the public with an emergency response vehicle in route to an emergency is not a
normal everyday occurrence, and these situations need to be approached with this in mind. This
is clearly evident by the confusion that we all have witnessed when approaching civilian traffic.
This is why defensive driving is required even more so than in any other situation. While the
Opticom system cycles the light through the normal sequence of yellow and then red an
approaching apparatus is unable to determine how long the light was green for cross traffic. An
unusually short green light for cross traffic may appear to cross traffic as a malfunctioning light,
and encourage drivers to run a stale yellow light.
Proceed only after ensuring that it is safe to do so, a green light given as a result of Opticom
activation should not be assumed to be safe until verified visually, in all directions.
When a green light is given due to Opticom activation well in advance of the apparatus, the
emergency vehicle driver must slow down as necessary to ensure safe operation. If the Opticom
has not granted a green light within 300 feet (approximately), on approach the emergency driver
will come to a complete stop at the intersection to ensure safe operation, NO EXCEPTIONS.
ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Standard Operating Guidelines
Driving Policies and Guidelines
DRAFT
01/06
Page 6 of 8
This delay will give time for the intersection to clear completely, and give those who are either
inattentive or prone to running stale yellow lights a chance to clear through.
As is the case with all intersections when approaching an Opticom controlled intersection where
all lanes are blocked, turn off all sirens and horns but leave emergency lights on. When
Opticom activation has granted the green light the emergency vehicle driver will delay activation
of sirens and horns for three seconds to give the intersection time to clear completely.
Railroad Intersections
Any time an emergency vehicle driver approaches an unguarded rail crossing the driver shall
bring the apparatus or vehicle to a complete stop before entering the grade crossing. In addition
the driver shall perform the following prior to proceeding:
 Turn off all sirens and air horns
 Operate the motor at idle speed
 Turn off any other sound producing equipment or accessories
 Open the windows and listen for a train’s horn
Railroad crossings must be treated with the same caution as any other intersection. Remember
that with the siren on it may be difficult to hear a train horn or crossing bells. Never proceed
between the crossbars of a railroad crossing. Notify the Alarm room if response will be delayed.
When possible coordinate with the Alarm room to have the railroad shut down completely while
operating at incidents at railroad tracks/crossings.
School Zones
When responding code 3 and approaching a school bus displaying red lights and/or a stop sign
clapboard, on either side of an undivided roadway, emergency vehicles will come to a complete
stop. Once the driver has made visual contact with the bus driver, or can be reasonably assured
that it is safe to pass, the emergency vehicle may do so at 15 mph.
Never exceed posted speed limits in school zones. No Exceptions!
Multi Unit Response
Racing apparatus is strictly prohibited. Do not follow closer than 500 feet behind other
emergency vehicles.
Do not pass other responding emergency vehicles. The only exception will be when an
emergency vehicle is disabled or delayed. If passing is necessary, permission must be obtained
through radio communications.
Caution shall be observed at all intersections since other companies may also be responding from
other locations (quarters, drills, building inspection, etc.) and emergency units from other
agencies may also be responding.
ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Standard Operating Guidelines
Driving Policies and Guidelines
DRAFT
01/06
Page 7 of 8
General Driving Procedures
Drivers of city vehicles shall be directly responsible for the safe and prudent operation of the
vehicle under all conditions. When the driver of a city vehicle is under the direct supervision of
an officer, that officer shall also assume responsibility for the driver’s actions.
Drivers of emergency vehicles shall obey all traffic control signals and signs and all laws and
rules of the road of the City of Albuquerque and State of New Mexico.
Every time the vehicle is moved, the driver will:
 Ensure the apparatus bay door is all the way open (if applicable)
 Glance under the vehicle to insure it is free of obstructions
 Walk completely around the unit ensuring that compartment doors are closed, equipment
is secure, the running boards and steps are free of loose equipment (i.e. coffee cups, tools
etc) and the vehicle is free of obstructions.
 The driver must check to ensure all extractor and power connections are released before
leaving the station.
 Ensure all personnel are using seatbelts.
Items should be secured in the cab of the apparatus and interior compartment doors will remain
closed any time the vehicle is in motion.
Drivers will check and memorize the position of instruments and controls before moving vehicle.
It should never be necessary for a driver to search for instruments or controls while the apparatus
is in motion, as this will draw his/her attention away from the road.
Do not use auxiliary braking devices (retarders, TELMA) when roads are wet or slick.
Do not allow personnel to stand or sit on top of moving vehicles. This shall include all funeral
processions and parades.
Driving with the headlights on is recommended at all times. Remember to turn off the headlights
before the engine is turned off.
The driver will not use a cell phone during any type of response (code 1 or code 3).
Anticipate your stops and turns; start slowing the apparatus down by using the proper method of
gearing down in conjunction with the braking system.
When stopping behind other vehicles, remain far enough back that you can see the rear tires of
the vehicle in front of you.
ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Standard Operating Guidelines
Driving Policies and Guidelines
DRAFT
01/06
Page 8 of 8
Miscellaneous Driving Procedures
Use a city vehicle for city business only; never for your own personal or private use. The public
is very concerned that these vehicles are not misused.
Do not park in private parking spaces or private property unless you have express permission to
do so.
When attending to business at City Hall, with larger vehicles, the crew may be dropped off at
city hall then the unit driven to a suitable parking area. When the crew is finished with there
business, they can contact the unit driver via portable radio and ask to be picked up.
Bus stops will only be used for parking in emergency situations. Fire lanes are designed to
provide access to buildings in case of emergencies. Only use these lanes for emergencies.
Do not park in handicapped parking spaces except in emergency situations and then only if other
spaces or fire lanes are unavailable.
No emergency apparatus will be left unattended. The only exception will be emergency scenes
that require the entire crew to be away from the unit.
It is the apparatus drivers’ duty to report in writing to your immediate supervisor all details
concerning theft of equipment, scratches, dents, vandalism, etc., which occurs to the vehicle
while you are responsible for it. All of these cases will also require a report from the police
department and forwarded to the City of Albuquerque’s Risk Management Division.
It is the drivers’ responsibility to refuel as necessary. No apparatus fuel tank will go below ½ a
tank. Use the vehicle fuel card (carried in each vehicle) to obtain fuel from the computerized fuel
pumps at the City Yards or other areas as designated by the City.
You must maintain the vehicle in a safe operating condition at all times and report all flats,
vehicle breakdowns, mechanical or safety failures to your immediate supervisor and fire
department mechanic. In their absence notify the nearest Battalion Commander in charge.
No person except a designated City employee may operate a City vehicle and no one will be
transported in a City vehicle except when City business requires.
A current and valid drivers’ license and City Operators Permit must be on your person at all
times while operating a City of Albuquerque vehicle.