What to do if emergency vehicle is behind you NSW?

Emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire brigade or police vehicles, always have the right of way in traffic. If there is an emergency vehicle behind you, you must get out of the way. Usually, what this means is that you must slow down and pull to the left side of the road to clear a path through traffic.

Can a driver break a red light for an emergency vehicle?

Yes, a driver may legally break a red light to allow an emergency service vehicle to pass. Yes, a driver may break the speed limit to allow an emergency service vehicle to pass.

Is it legal to drive through a red light to make way for a police vehicle in Victoria?

If a police, emergency, enforcement or escort vehicle has its red, blue or magenta lights flashing or its siren on, you must: Get out of its way. Give way and stop if necessary, even if you have a green traffic light.

Is it an offence to obstruct an emergency vehicle?

The Act makes it an offence to obstruct any emergency service crew while responding to an emergency, whether physically or not, punishable by a fine of up to level 5 on the standard scale.

What classifies an emergency vehicle?

An emergency vehicle is a vehicle that is used by emergency services to respond to an incident. These vehicles are usually operated by designated agencies which are often part of the government, but also may be non-governmental organizations and commercial companies specifically authorised by law.

Why does an ambulance not use sirens?

They usually aren’t in contact with heavy traffic and will shut their sirens off to not disturb the community or draw unneeded attention to their situation.” “So, sometimes when responding to a house or business alarm they will deactivate their siren as to not warn the bad guy of their arrival.”

Can emergency services break the speed limit?

In an emergency situation, drivers of emergency vehicles are granted certain exemptions to the law while using their sirens and blue lights. In these circumstances, an emergency vehicle can do the following things: Disobey the speed limit (if it’s a police car, ambulance or fire engine).

Is it illegal to overtake an emergency vehicle?

Do not try to speed or outrun an emergency vehicle, only allow the emergency vehicle to overtake only when there is space to do so and it is safe. If you are in a one-way street or a road where the other lane is blocked, you should continue at a reasonable speed as the emergency vehicle follow until you can pull over.

What to do when an emergency vehicle is behind you?

If the emergency vehicle is behind you or approaching the same intersection as you from a different street, you will need to pull over and/or stop. But don’t just slam on the brakes and come to a halt right where you are. That puts you at risk of getting rear-ended by the car behind you.