DMV Permit · Speed Limits

What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with flashing lights and a siren?

Correct answer

Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop, allowing the emergency vehicle to pass, until it has passed

  1. A Speed up to get out of the way
  2. B Ignore it
  3. C Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop, allowing the emergency vehicle to pass, until it has passed
  4. D Stop immediately in your lane

Why this is the answer

When an EMERGENCY VEHICLE approaches with flashing lights and/or siren, you must PULL OVER to the RIGHT edge of the road and STOP, yielding the right-of-way and letting it pass; remain stopped until it has passed. DMV/permit rules of the road.

Exceptions/notes: if you're in an intersection, clear the intersection first, then pull over; never stop IN an intersection. Do NOT speed up or try to outrun it, and don't stop suddenly in a travel lane. 'MOVE OVER' LAWS also require slowing down and/or changing lanes for stopped emergency/service vehicles on the roadside. Knowing to pull right and stop for approaching emergency vehicles is commonly tested and legally required.

Source: DMV Rules of the Road — Emergency Vehicles

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About this topic: Speed Limits

Speed limit questions cover the default limits in school zones, residential areas, business districts and highways, the basic speed rule (never faster than conditions allow) and how to adjust speed for weather and traffic. This is one of 11 Rules of the Road questions on speed limits, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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