Photo: George Morina / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
When an emergency vehicle comes up behind you in Great Britain, Highway Code Rule 219 says do not panic, think about the route it needs, and let it pass while complying with all traffic signs. That means you should not go through a red light or over a stop line, and you should not drive into a bus lane during its hours, just to get out of the way. If you need to, pull to the side and stop, but avoid stopping on a bend, a hill brow or a narrow stretch, and do not mount the kerb. This guide is for learners and new drivers in England, Scotland and Wales.
Which lights mean what?
| Lights | Who uses them (Rule 219) |
|---|---|
| Flashing blue, red or green lights, sirens or flashing headlights | Ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors and other emergency vehicles |
| Flashing amber | Traffic officer and incident support vehicles |
Rule 219 asks you to look and listen for all of these.
What to do, step by step
- Stay calm. Rule 219 opens with “do not panic”. A sudden swerve or emergency stop causes more problems than it solves.
- Find it. Check your mirrors and work out where the vehicle is and which way it is likely to go.
- Think about its route. Will it pass on your right? Is it turning at the next junction? Make room where it needs it.
- Move over only when it is safe and legal. If needed, pull to the side of the road and stop.
- Pick your spot. Avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, on a bend or on a narrow section where the emergency vehicle cannot get past you.
- Do not brake harshly approaching a junction or roundabout. The driver behind may not have the same view as you.
- Signal and check before rejoining. There may be a second emergency vehicle following the first.
Red lights, stop lines and bus lanes: what not to do
Rule 219 tells you to let emergency vehicles pass while complying with all traffic signs. The rules on lights and lanes do not include an exception for getting out of the way.
| Temptation | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Edge through a red light to clear a path | Rule 176: you MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing |
| Move into the cyclists’ box at an advanced stop line | Rule 178: you MUST stop at the first white line if the lights are amber or red |
| Swerve into a bus lane during its hours | Rule 141: unless otherwise indicated, you should not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation |
| Mount the pavement | Rule 219: avoid mounting the kerb. Rule 145 says you MUST NOT drive on a pavement except for lawful access to property or in an emergency |
Failing to comply with traffic light signals carries 3 penalty points (endorsement code TS10). Often the most useful thing at lights is to stay still and predictable so the emergency driver can choose their path.
On motorways and dual carriageways
- Keep in the left lane unless overtaking (Rule 264). This leaves the right-hand lanes freer.
- If you see flashing lights in the distance, Rule 281 says there may be an incident ahead. Slow down and be ready to move safely into another lane or stop.
- Emergency services and traffic authorities use closed lanes, shown by a red X, to reach incidents. You MUST NOT drive in a closed lane (Rule 258). See smart motorways and red X signals.
- If emergency services or recovery workers are stopped on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area and you are in the left lane, Rule 264 says move into the next lane if it is safe, to give them more space.
- You MUST follow any directions from police or traffic officers about passing an incident (Rule 281).
In slow-moving or queuing traffic, Rule 151 says leave enough space to manoeuvre if an emergency vehicle needs to get past.
Scenario: siren behind you at red lights
You are first in the queue at a red light, in the right-hand of two lanes. An ambulance with blue lights and siren appears in your mirror.
- Do not cross the stop line. Rule 176 still applies.
- If there is room to ease slightly left within your lane without crossing the line or mounting the kerb, that may help. If not, stay where you are.
- When the light turns green, move off and pull over once you are through the junction, somewhere wide and straight.
Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (Rule 220)
Rule 220 sits next to the emergency vehicle rule because it is about another road user you may meet unexpectedly. Powered vehicles used by disabled people travel at a maximum of 8 mph (12 km/h). On a dual carriageway with a speed limit over 50 mph they MUST have a flashing amber beacon, but on other roads you may get no advance warning. Be ready to slow down well in advance. See mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.
Common questions
Can I go through a red light to let an ambulance pass?
No. Rule 219 says let emergency vehicles pass while complying with all traffic signs, and Rule 176 says you MUST NOT cross the white line on red.
Can I drive in a bus lane to let a fire engine through?
Rule 141 says you should not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation unless signs allow it. Rule 219 asks you to let emergency vehicles pass while complying with traffic signs. Find another safe way to make room.
Should I stop immediately when I hear a siren?
Not necessarily. First work out where it is and where it is going. Stop only if it is needed and you are somewhere safe, not on a bend, hill brow or narrow road.
What does a flashing green light on a car mean?
Rule 219 lists flashing green among the lights used by emergency vehicles, a list that includes doctors. Treat it like any other emergency vehicle and let it pass safely.
What do flashing amber lights on a vehicle mean?
Traffic officers and incident support vehicles use flashing amber lights. Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters on fast dual carriageways also MUST show a flashing amber beacon.
Can I get a fine for moving out of the way?
Breaking a traffic rule is an offence, even when you are trying to help. The safest course is to make room only in ways that are legal.
Related: road users requiring extra care, bus lanes and cycle lanes and Highway Code light signals. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.
Sources
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Road users requiring extra care (204 to 225)” (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Using the road (159 to 203)” (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)” (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Motorways (253 to 274)” (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Breakdowns and incidents (275 to 287)” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Penalty points (endorsements): Endorsement codes and penalty points” (gov.uk)