Policy Text
Policy
509San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/10/31, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentDisabled Vehicles - 1Disabled Vehicles
509.1 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.
509.2 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.
509.3 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.
509.3.1 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.
509.3.2 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.
509.3.3 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.