Taylor Scott
Armored bank trucks are a common sight on roads, but do they follow the same rules as other vehicles? In most cases, armored trucks are subject to the same traffic laws as regular vehicles. For example, in the state of New York, there are no provisions in the NYS VTL that exempt armored trucks from traffic rules. However, some states have specific laws regarding the use of sirens and emergency vehicle status for armored trucks, which can create confusion about their obligations to follow traffic laws. For instance, in California, armored cars are allowed to be equipped with sirens, but only when resisting an armed robbery, and this does not classify them as emergency vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are armored bank trucks emergency vehicles? | No, they are not listed among the types of vehicles eligible to be issued an AEV permit by the CHP Commissioner. |
| Can armored bank trucks use sirens? | In California, armored cars are allowed by the Vehicle Code § 27003 to be equipped with sirens "which may be used while resisting armed robbery. At all other times, the siren shall not be sounded." |
| Can armored bank truck drivers carry weapons? | Yes, federal laws give them the authority to carry handguns under proper conditions. |
| Can police pull over armored bank trucks? | Yes, police officers can pull over armored bank trucks if they witness an egregious violation. However, due to safety concerns, some officers prefer to call in to the armored truck's dispatch to arrange the stop. |
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What You'll Learn
Armored trucks are not emergency vehicles
The classification of a vehicle as an emergency vehicle comes with certain privileges and responsibilities. For example, emergency vehicles are often exempt from adhering to standard road rules and may use sirens and flashing lights to navigate through traffic unimpeded. However, armored trucks are not included in the list of vehicles eligible for an Authorized Emergency Vehicle (AEV) permit.
While some armored trucks may be equipped with sirens, their use is strictly limited by law. In California, for instance, Vehicle Code § 27003 stipulates that armored car sirens may only be used "while resisting armed robbery." At all other times, the siren shall not be sounded, and the presence of a siren does not grant armored trucks emergency vehicle status or exemption from traffic laws.
It is worth noting that armored trucks are primarily designed to secure and transport valuable assets, such as currency, financial information, or other high-value goods. They are typically operated by security firms and may carry armed guards trained to handle firearms and respond to emergency situations. However, their purpose is not to function as emergency responders or law enforcement but rather to protect the assets and personnel they transport.
In rare instances, armored trucks have been used for emergency purposes, such as during the 1997 North Hollywood shootout, where an armored car was commandeered by the LAPD to extract wounded officers and civilians. Nonetheless, this does not change their standard classification, and armored trucks are not legally considered emergency vehicles.
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In California, armored trucks can use sirens to resist robbery
Armored trucks are vehicles used to transport valuables, such as large sums of money, and are designed to resist robbery attempts. They are typically operated by security firms and feature bullet-resistant glass, armor plating, reinforced shells, and cabs. In California, armored trucks are not considered emergency vehicles and are not equipped with sirens or PA systems.
However, according to California's Vehicle Code § 27003, armored cars may be equipped with sirens, but their use is strictly limited to situations of resisting armed robbery. At all other times, the siren shall not be sounded. This means that armored trucks in California cannot use sirens to move traffic along or get through traffic lights, as this would constitute an illegal use of the siren.
Despite having sirens, armored trucks in California are still required to obey all traffic laws. They are not exempt from following the rules of the road and are subject to the same regulations as other vehicles. The use of a siren during an armed robbery does not grant them emergency vehicle status, and they cannot use it to force other vehicles to yield.
The crew of an armored truck in California is permitted to use the siren on the vehicle when actively resisting an armed robbery. This provision allows them to deter bandits and prevent robberies. The siren can be a crucial tool in such situations, but its use is restricted to specific circumstances to ensure the safety of the crew, bystanders, and the valuables being transported.
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Armored truck operators can carry weapons
Armored truck operators are permitted to carry weapons in many states in the US. Federal laws allow armored car operators to carry handguns under proper conditions to protect themselves and the valuables they transport. This authority is granted by the Armored Car Industry Reciprocity Act (ACIRA), which was enacted by Congress in 1993.
The use of weapons by armored car guards is a contentious issue. While federal law permits the carrying of firearms, state and company regulations also come into play. Some states have specific requirements for carrying weapons, such as concealed-carry permits for handguns, which may be "shall issue" or "may issue" jurisdictions. Additionally, each state sets its own parameters for when deadly force can be used to protect cargo.
The primary purpose of arming armored car guards is self-defense. In the case of an armed robbery, guards need to defend themselves and deter criminals from harming them to gain access to the cargo. However, there are differing opinions on whether deadly force can be justified solely to protect the cargo. Some argue that the guns are meant to protect the guards' lives, not the property.
In certain states, there are exceptions that allow the carrying of weapons by armored car guards. For example, in Illinois, an exception permits guards of armored car companies to carry weapons while engaged in their employment or commuting between their homes and workplaces. Similarly, Maryland law prohibits carrying weapons in vehicles, but provides exceptions for law enforcement officers, military personnel, licensed users for target practice, and authorized supervisors during employment within a business establishment.
The use of sirens by armored trucks is also regulated. While they may be equipped with sirens, their use is generally restricted to situations of resisting armed robbery and specific emergency responses or law enforcement activities.
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Armored trucks can be pulled over by police
Armored trucks are not exempt from traffic laws and are subject to the same rules as other vehicles. While they may be equipped with sirens and PA systems, these can only be used in specific circumstances, such as resisting an armed robbery, and do not classify the vehicles as emergency vehicles. As such, armored trucks can be pulled over by the police for violating traffic laws.
In a police forum, an officer recounted an incident where they pulled over an armored truck for speeding, and another incident where an armored truck was pulled over for running a red light. In both cases, the drivers complied with the police and pulled over without incident. The officers involved in these stops noted that they would only pull over an armored truck if the driver was doing something "monumentally stupid," as they are aware that the occupants likely have firearms.
In one instance, an officer pulled over an armored truck for speeding and approached the passenger side of the vehicle, observing that the driver was on a cell phone, likely calling their boss to verify the officer's identity. After the driver finished the call, they opened the door and cooperated with the officer without issue. This suggests that armored truck drivers are trained to handle such situations and are aware of the protocols to follow when pulled over by law enforcement.
While armored trucks are not exempt from traffic laws, it is important to note that the decision to pull one over is not taken lightly by law enforcement officers. Due to the nature of their cargo and the presence of armed guards, officers may be more cautious when initiating a traffic stop on an armored truck. However, this does not preclude them from enforcing traffic laws and ensuring the safe operation of these vehicles on public roads.
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Armored truck drivers can receive traffic tickets
Armored truck drivers are subject to traffic laws and can receive tickets for violations. For example, in the case of McGarvey v. Biswell, a U.S. District Court ruled against a father and son who claimed exemption from Illinois law when they were stopped for speeding while driving an armored truck.
In California, armored cars are permitted by the Vehicle Code § 27003 to be equipped with sirens, but these may only be used while resisting armed robbery. At all other times, the siren shall not be sounded, and armored cars are not considered emergency vehicles. This means that armored cars must obey all traffic laws, and the use of a siren does not grant them any special privileges or exemptions.
Similarly, in a discussion on Reddit, users clarified that armored cars are not considered AEVs (Authorized Emergency Vehicles) and are therefore not exempt from regular traffic laws. Even if an armored car were properly equipped and certified as an AEV, it would still not be legal to use its siren simply to move traffic along or get around people. The siren could only be used for specific purposes related to emergency response, law enforcement, or stopping/pursuing criminal suspects.
While armored truck drivers may carry weapons and take certain actions to protect themselves and the valuables they transport, they are still subject to the same traffic laws as other vehicles. This includes speed limits, parking regulations, and any other applicable traffic rules. Failure to comply with these laws can result in traffic tickets or other penalties.
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Frequently asked questions
Armored trucks are not considered emergency vehicles and are not exempt from traffic laws. However, they may be equipped with sirens to be used while resisting armed robbery.
Police officers can and do pull over armored bank trucks. In one instance, an officer pulled over an armored truck for running a red light and issued a summons. In another case, a police officer stopped an armored car for speeding.
Due to the armed guards and valuable cargo in armored bank trucks, officers should exercise caution when pulling them over. One officer recommends having dispatch call the armored truck's dispatch to arrange the stop.
