Can ambulances break traffic rules?

Ambulances are classified as emergency vehicles which entitles the ambulance crew with right of way on the roads. Speeding and running red lights are allowed in most cirumstances and if any traffic tickets were to be issued, these offences are likely to be waived in full.

What should you do when an emergency vehicle with a siren?

You must yield the right-of-way to any police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle using a siren and red lights. Drive to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle(s) have passed. However, never stop in an intersection.

What are considered emergency vehicles?

Some examples of emergency vehicles include:

• Law enforcement. Mobile communications vehicle. Police bicycle. Police car. Police motorcycle.
• Firefighting. Fire engine. Fire car. Light and air unit. Water tender.
• Medical. Air ambulance. Ambulance. Motorcycle ambulance.
• Other. Rescue vehicle. Hazardous materials apparatus. Tow truck.

Which of the following actions should you take when an emergency vehicle with the siren sounding and lights flashing is approaching you?

Stay at least 500 feet behind any moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights and sounding a siren. Never race after an emergency vehicle to get through a traffic light. Never pass a moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights unless directed to do so by a police officer or emergency personnel.

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

If you are in an intersection when you see an emergency vehicle approaching while using its flashing lights and/or siren, continue through the intersection and then drive to the right and stop.

Is it illegal to block emergency vehicles?

The law. According to the Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006 it is an offence, without reasonable excuse, to obstruct or hinder certain emergency workers responding to emergency services.

Can emergency vehicles overtake on solid white lines?

The answer might surprise you. If you’re being followed by an emergency vehicle such as a police car, ambulance or fire engine, the driver will probably switch off the blue lights and siren. You’re advised to drive at the speed limit until clear of the solid white lines.

Can emergency vehicles overtake on double white lines?

Double white lines signify a stretch of road where it is unsuitable to overtake and that applies just as much to emergency vehicles as to the rest of us.

Are emergency vehicles allowed to force other drivers to turn their sirens off?

There are in fact laws to prevent drivers of emergency vehicles from forcing other road users into any illegal manoeuvres. For instance, drivers of emergency vehicles are meant to turn their siren off at junctions where the traffic light is red. This is to avoid promping other drivers to run a red light, which is illegal under any circumstances.

Do you need special training to drive with Sirens?

Also, official training is required anyway if a police, ambulance or fire engine driver wants exemption from speed limits when necessary. In an emergency situation, drivers of emergency vehicles are granted certain exemptions to the law while using their sirens and blue lights.

When can the emergency services switch on their lights and sirens?

Legally, emergency services can only switch on their lights and sirens if they have been called to an incident and need to arrive at the destination as soon as possible. If they are merely driving from A to B, they must use the road as if they were a regular driver.

When should you pull over when you hear sirens?

If you hear sirens or see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle approaching you from the front, you should pull over as soon as it is safe in order to let the vehicle utilize all available road space. This applies to all vehicles on the road, regardless of the direction of travel, with only one exception.