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DMV Permit · General

A driver hears a siren and sees flashing red and white lights approaching from behind. What is required?

Correct answer

Immediately pull to the right side of the road and stop — federal and state law requires all drivers to yield to emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance) by pulling right and stopping until the emergency vehicle passes; this is required in every US state

  1. A Maintain current speed and lane
  2. B Immediately pull to the right side of the road and stop — federal and state law requires all drivers to yield to emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance) by pulling right and stopping until the emergency vehicle passes; this is required in every US state
  3. C Only slow down if the vehicle is directly behind you
  4. D Move to the left lane

Why this is the answer

YIELD TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES: All states require: PULL TO THE RIGHT side of the road; STOP as far from the travel lane as safely possible; REMAIN STOPPED until the emergency vehicle has passed and it is safe to resume; NEVER BLOCK AN INTERSECTION — if approaching an intersection and an emergency vehicle is coming, clear the intersection first (safely) then pull over; the worst position is stopped IN an intersection; MULTIPLE EMERGENCY VEHICLES: After one passes, expect more — they often travel in groups; wait until safe to re-enter traffic; MOVE OVER LAW: Separate from this, most states require moving over a lane away from stopped emergency vehicles on the roadside (not just passing one that is moving) — this protects responders who may exit vehicles; FAILURE TO YIELD: Traffic violation in all states; can result in accidents and serious liability.
Source: DMV Rules of the Road — Emergency Vehicle Yield

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