The Basic Rule
When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching with flashing lights or sirens, you must pull over to the right side of the road and stop. Wait until the emergency vehicle has passed before re-entering traffic. This rule applies in all 50 states.
Move Over Laws
All 50 states have Move Over laws that require drivers to move over one lane when passing a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, or highway maintenance vehicle on the side of the road. If you cannot change lanes safely, you must slow down significantly. Fines for violating Move Over laws range from 50 to over 2000 dollars depending on the state.
Special Situations
At an intersection: If you are at a red light when an emergency vehicle approaches, stay where you are. Do not run the red light. The emergency vehicle will navigate around you.
On a divided highway: If the emergency vehicle is on the other side of a divided highway with a physical barrier, you are generally not required to stop. However, if there is no physical barrier, you must still pull over.
In a roundabout: Continue to your exit, then pull over. Do not stop inside the roundabout.
What NOT to Do
Never follow an emergency vehicle closely. Most states prohibit following within 300 to 500 feet of an emergency vehicle. Never block an emergency vehicle by refusing to move. Never drive through or park near a fire hose.
DMV Test Questions
Emergency vehicle questions appear on nearly every state's DMV test. Key points to remember: pull over to the right and stop, do not follow emergency vehicles closely, and know your state's Move Over law requirements.