Emergency vehicles and move-over laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can recognize an emergency vehicle by its siren and flashing lights.
• You can pull to the right edge and stop safely to let it pass.
• You can move over a lane, or slow down, when passing a stopped emergency or service vehicle.
• You can keep a safe distance and avoid following emergency vehicles.

What you need to know and understand

• In most states, when an emergency vehicle approaches using a siren and flashing lights, you move to the right edge of the road and stop until it has passed.
• Do not stop in an intersection: clear it first, then pull over.
• NHTSA says all 50 states have move-over laws for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights, and Washington, DC has one too.
• If you cannot change lanes safely, you must slow down to a safe, reasonable speed. Some states set an exact figure, so check your state manual.
• Which vehicles are covered varies. NHTSA counts 19 states plus DC whose laws cover any stopped vehicle with flashing or hazard lights, including tow trucks, road crews and broken-down cars.
• Following close behind an emergency vehicle is illegal. California sets this at within 300 feet; other states set their own distances.

When you hear a siren

Never try to race ahead of an emergency vehicle or tuck in behind it to get through traffic. Driving to the scene of a fire or crash to watch can also be an offense in some states, including California.

1. Stay calm and work out where the vehicle is coming from: check all mirrors and look around.
2. Signal and move to the right edge of the road. On a one-way road, follow your state manual's rule.
3. Stop and stay stopped until the vehicle has passed. More may follow, so look again before moving.
4. If you are in an intersection, drive through it first, then pull over.
5. Signal and rejoin traffic only when it is safe.

Move over or slow down

When you see a stopped police car, ambulance, fire truck, tow truck or road crew with flashing lights, the law in every state asks you to do one of two things. If you are on a road with more than one lane in your direction and it is safe, move into a lane away from the stopped vehicle. If you cannot move over safely, slow down to a safe speed and pass with care.

States set different speed rules for this. Some name a fixed amount below the limit or a specific speed, others just say a reasonable speed. Read your state manual so you know the exact rule for the knowledge test.

Getting it right in practice

• Scan far ahead for flashing lights on the shoulder so you have time to change lanes early.
• Do not swerve suddenly: signal and check blind spots like any lane change.
• Do not stop on the freeway to look at a crash: it causes more crashes.
• Remember that people may be standing outside their vehicles near the travel lane.

Common mistakes

• Stopping in the middle of an intersection when a siren sounds: clear it, then pull right.
• Moving off as soon as one emergency vehicle passes: check for others.
• Passing a stopped tow truck or road crew at full speed: in many states move-over covers them too.
• Making a late, sharp lane change: look ahead and move over early.
• Following an ambulance through traffic: stay well back.

Test yourself: Emergency vehicles and move-over laws

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

Go deeper

• Move Over Laws in the US
• NY School Bus Law and Move Over Law Explained
• Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medicines