Over here, the emergency vehicles (cops rushing to a crime spot, ambulances carrying patients/accident victims, firetrucks and fire department vehicles on call to an emergency) flash their lights and also blow the siren to alert everyone around that they are on some important call and should be given way. That's how the system should be. What's the use of calling them emergency vehicles if they can't override the normal rules in cases of emergency? Like a person has suffered a heart attack and his wife calls an ambulance, only to be told the ambulance is stuck at a traffic light 500 metres from her house!

And if you hear the siren or see the flashing red/blue/amber lights on top of a vehicle you are supposed to yield, by law. My only complaint is the traffic cops need better training to force the traffic to make way for the emergency vehicles.

Brad, it's sad to see cops indulging in such malpractices. I hope such instances are in minority.

Akhilesh, welcome to the community! Always remember, pointing your finger at other crimes won't help if you have defaulted/broken some law. It would make sense to learn the parking rules/zones and procedures and make sure you steer clear of situations where the cops can use their discretion. If a cop decides that your vehicle is obstructing traffic, he can get it towed away by law. So be within your legal rights and you shall avoid such unpleasant surprises.

Btw, if you are visiting a good hotel, it may also pay to either let the valet park your car, if the hotel offers it, or tip the doorman to keep an eye on your vehicle. It would help avoid getting a parking ticket or worst case, getting the car towed away. At least the doorman can warn you.

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