Policy Text
Policy
506Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/08/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentDisabled Vehicles - 1Disabled Vehicles
506.1 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.
506.2 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. If the motorist is outside city jurisdiction, or on the freeway within our jurisdiction,
then Communications will notify the appropriate agency having jurisdiction to respond to assist
the motorist.
506.3 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 department resources, and the vulnerability of the disabled motorist.
When stalled vehicles are creating a traffic hazard, the officer will stop and provide traffic control
until the hazard is alleviated.
506.3.1 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.
506.3.2 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. Vehicles should not be pushed further than
required to alleviate the immediate hazard, and the unit shall not be used for push starting stalled
vehicles.
506.3.3 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. The officer should also get the permission of a supervisor
when transporting a civilian/motorist. Alternative means of the transportation should be obtained
if possible. Officers who must transport shall advise Communications of the starting point and
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Disabled Vehicles
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/08/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentDisabled Vehicles - 2destination, as well as the starting and ending mileage if civilians of the opposite sex (from the
officer) are transported.
506.3.4 EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO HIGHWAY USERS
The first officer to arrive at a medical emergency scene shall notify Communications of needed
aid or medical units and shall provide necessary first aid until the arrival of medical units.
506.4 PUBLIC ACCESS TO THIS POLICY
This written policy is available upon request.