DMV Permit · Emergencies

What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with its lights and siren on?

Correct answer

Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes, when safe to do so

  1. A Speed up to get out of the area
  2. B Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes, when safe to do so
  3. C Stop immediately in your lane
  4. D Ignore it if you have the right of way

Why this is the answer

When an emergency vehicle (police, fire, or ambulance) approaches with lights and siren active, you must yield by pulling over to the right edge of the road and stopping until it passes, as long as it is safe to do so. If you are in an intersection, clear it first, then pull right. Do not stop suddenly in a travel lane or block the intersection. After the emergency vehicle passes, return to traffic when it is safe. Many areas also have 'Move Over' laws requiring drivers to slow and change lanes away from stopped emergency or service vehicles. Yielding to emergency vehicles is a legal duty.
Source: Standard driver handbook, Emergency Vehicles

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