Emergency vehicles and Garda signals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can notice an emergency vehicle early by sound and sight.
• You can make room safely without breaking traffic laws.
• You can recognise the Garda hand signals for traffic control.
• You can respond correctly when a Garda signals you to stop.
• You can say what documents you must carry and produce.

What you need to know and understand

• A Garda's signals override traffic lights.
• You must carry your learner permit or driving licence whenever you drive.
• Do not go through a red light or speed to make room for an emergency vehicle unless a Garda or emergency service personnel direct you.
• Only mount the kerb if you absolutely have to and are sure no pedestrians are near.
• Gardaí can require a breath or saliva test at a checkpoint without suspecting you have been drinking.
• Failing to stop when a Garda requires you to carries an 80 euro fixed charge and 2 penalty points.
• Insurance and NCT certificates may be produced at a named Garda station within 10 days if asked.

Making room for blue lights

1. Keep in-car noise low enough to hear sirens.
2. Check mirrors to judge where the vehicle is and how fast it is coming.
3. Signal and pull to the left where there is room for it to pass safely on your right.
4. When queuing, leave space in front of you so you have room to move over and let it through.
5. Wait until it has passed and watch for a second or third vehicle.
6. Signal and rejoin traffic gradually.

What not to do

• Do not brake suddenly or stop on a bend or the brow of a hill.
• Do not go through a red light; stay behind the line and let the emergency driver find a way round.
• Do not follow or race after an emergency vehicle through traffic.
• Do not block a junction trying to get out of the way.

Garda hand signals

A Garda on points duty uses arm signals that drivers and pedestrians must obey:

• Right arm raised straight up: traffic from the front stops.
• Left arm held out level: traffic from behind stops.
• Both together: traffic from the front and behind stops.
• Beckoning with the hand: move on as beckoned.
• Pointing to a lane: move into that lane.

At a checkpoint

Stop where directed, switch off any music and keep your hands visible. A Garda can ask to see your learner permit or licence, check the discs on your windscreen, ask your name and address and require a breath or saliva sample. Stay calm and polite and follow instructions.

Common mistakes

• Panicking and stopping dead in front of an emergency vehicle.
• Running a red light to get out of the way.
• Driving on as soon as the first vehicle passes when another is following.
• Ignoring a Garda's signal because your light is green.
• Driving without your learner permit in the car.

Test yourself: Emergency vehicles and Garda signals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Garda Hand Signals and Emergency Vehicles in Ireland