Everyday, police, fire and ambulance vehicles respond to urgent calls. Any time lost getting to an emergency could mean the difference between life and death. As a driver, you can do your part to help save lives.
Reacting to an emergency vehicle
There are certain steps you need to take when an emergency vehicle is approaching in either direction. Find out what you need to do on different kinds of roads.
On a multi-lane highway
- slow down, signal and move to the right
- if possible, pull as close as you can to the right side of the roadway and stop when safe to do so
- don't move onto the shoulder
On a two-lane road
- signal and move to the right
- pull as close as possible to the right edge of the road, clear of any intersection, and stop
On a one-way street
- signal and pull to the right or the left side of the street, clear of any intersection, and stop
In an intersection
- traffic in all directions must yield to emergency vehicles
- don't block the intersection
- if an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind you, don't make a left turn - proceed straight through the intersection, then pull to the right and stop
Approaching a stopped emergency vehicle
"Slow Down, Move Over": If you see an emergency vehicle or a tow truck with its amber lights flashing stopped facing the same direction you are going, slow down and pass with caution.
If the road has two or more lanes, you must leave a lane of space between you and the emergency vehicle, if you can do so safely.
Tips
- stay alert
- avoid distractions
- keep the noise level down in your vehicle
- use your signals to alert other drivers you intend to pull over
- check your rear-view mirrors, and look in front and on both sides of your vehicle
- don't drive on or block the shoulder on freeways
- when the emergency vehicle has passed, check to make sure the way is clear and signal before merging back into traffic
- it's illegal to follow a fire vehicle or ambulance responding to a call, within 150 metres
Penalties
Drivers can be charged if they don't slow down, or move over when safe to do so, near emergency vehicles or tow trucks that are stopped with sirens or lights flashing.
First offence:
- $400 to $2,000
- 3 demerit points upon conviction
- possible suspension of driver's licence for up to 2 years
Subsequent offences (within 5 years):
- $1,000 to $4,000
- 3 demerit points upon conviction
- possible jail time (up to 6 months)
- possible suspension of driver's licence for up to 2 years
