33 CFR § 117.31 - Drawbridge operations for emergency vehicles and emergency vessels.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s117.31"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 117.31 - Drawbridge operations for emergency vehicles and emergency vessels."
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "117.31"
section_name: "Drawbridge operations for emergency vehicles and emergency vessels."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "J"
subchapter_name: "BRIDGES"
part_number: "117"
part_name: "DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "33 U.S.C. 499; 33 CFR 1.05-1; and DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4."
regulatory_source: "CGD 82-025, 49 FR 17452, Apr. 24, 1984, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "117"
---


# 117.31 Drawbridge operations for emergency vehicles and emergency vessels.

(a) Upon receiving notification that an emergency vehicle is responding to an emergency situation, a drawtender must make all reasonable efforts to have the drawspan closed at the time the emergency vehicle arrives.

(b) When a drawtender receives notice, or a proper signal as provided in § 117.15 of this part, the drawtender shall take all reasonable measures to have the draw opened, regardless of the operating schedule of the draw, for passage of the following, provided this opening does not conflict with local emergency management procedures which have been approved by the cognizant Coast Guard Captain of the Port:

(1) Federal, State, and local government vessels used for public safety;

(2) Vessels in distress where a delay would endanger life or property;

(3) Commercial vessels engaged in rescue or emergency salvage operations; and

(4) Vessels seeking shelter from severe weather.

[CGD 91-016, 58 FR 20, Jan. 4, 1993, as amended at 71 FR 70308, Dec. 4, 2006]