TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Pedestrians who impede the movement of ambulances can be fined NT$500 (US$15) and face charges of negligent homicide if their actions cause a death, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said Wednesday.

The comment followed an incident in Kaohsiung in which a pedestrian crossed the street without waiting for an ambulance to pass by, per CNA. Police in the southern city said there was nothing they could do as the law stipulated no fines for such behavior.

However, the ministry rejected the police statement and added a fine could be imposed if the ambulance used its siren and emergency lights. In that case, the ambulance had priority over both other vehicles and pedestrians.

If a pedestrian hindered the passage of an ambulance on purpose, it could be treated as a case of obstruction of official duties. Furthermore, if the vehicle failed to arrive at the hospital in time the pedestrian could also face compensation claims, the ministry said.