What Should You Do When Emergency Vehicles Approach?

Before taking your driver’s license test, you likely studied the rules of the road, hoping the regulations you memorized would appear in the exam.

However, that was quite some time ago, and chances are you don’t remember all the details anymore.

Some rules, especially those we rarely encounter, can be tricky to recall. One of the most commonly forgotten yet crucial regulations involves how to respond to emergency vehicles.

These rules are vital not only for ensuring the safety of lives but also for protecting your wallet. Failing to take the correct action when an emergency vehicle approaches can result in hefty fines and demerit points on your license.

Understanding and following these guidelines is essential—for everyone’s safety and peace of mind.

If you notice flashing lights from a police car, fire truck, or ambulance behind you, it’s essential to know how to respond. Follow these simple guidelines to stay safe and allow emergency services to perform their duties effectively.

Don’t Panic

Stay alert when an emergency vehicle approaches. Avoid sudden movements or abrupt braking, as these can lead to accidents and further delay emergency services. A calm and measured response is essential to ensure everyone's safety and allow first responders to do their job efficiently.

Pull Over to the Left Side of the Road

When an emergency vehicle approaches, always give way promptly. Safely pull over to the left side of the road to create a clear path for police, ambulance, or fire brigade teams. Shift into the leftmost lane, slow down, or come to a complete stop if necessary, allowing the emergency vehicle to pass. On a two-lane road, move onto the shoulder to ensure an unobstructed route.

Give Right of Way

Emergency vehicles with flashing lights always take priority, regardless of traffic signals. If you have a green light and an emergency vehicle approaches from a red light, you must yield the right of way. This may require coming to a full stop at your green light to allow emergency crews to pass safely.

Obey the Rules of the Road

Encountering a police car, ambulance, or fire truck on the road does not exempt you from following traffic laws. It’s your responsibility to stay within the rules. You cannot exceed the speed limit to move aside for an emergency vehicle, nor are you typically allowed to run a red light to give way. Remaining calm, in control, and aware of the laws ensures both safety and compliance, helping you avoid fines or demerit points while allowing emergency vehicles to pass safely.

Unsure of the rules in your area?

Emergency vehicle laws are determined individually by each state and territory. While these laws share many similarities, there are some key differences worth noting, as outlined below:

New South Wales

• Don’t run a red light or speed to get out of the way of emergency vehicles.
• Similar rules apply to funeral processions.

Victoria

• Red lights flashing outside a fire or ambulance station require you to stop until the lights stop flashing.

Queensland

• If you can’t pull over to the left, stop and allow the emergency vehicle to overtake.
• Queensland allows you to go through a red light to make way for an emergency vehicle, provided it’s safe to do so.

Western Australia

• You must make a reasonable effort to pull as far left as possible without breaking the law to do so.

South Australia

• You must not drive more than 25 km/h through an emergency zone or past an emergency vehicle.

Northern Territory

• You cannot inhibit an emergency vehicle or you’ll be subject to demerits and a fine.
• Funeral procession rules are similar.

Tasmania

• You must pull over to the left OR into another traffic lane to allow an emergency vehicle to overtake. To clear a path, you may be required to mount a gutter.

The rules are in place to ensure safety and to allow police, ambulances, and fire brigades to reach emergencies as quickly and efficiently as possible. These services often operate in high-pressure, life-or-death situations where every second counts. By following these rules, you are helping to create an environment where first responders can do their jobs without unnecessary delays. Treat the situation as though they are responding to someone you know and care about deeply, and act with the urgency and respect that such a scenario deserves. Remember, your cooperation could make a significant difference in saving lives.