Passing emergency vehicles

How to safely approach and give way to emergency vehicles on NSW roads when you're out driving.

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What to do when you see an emergency vehicle

Look out for emergency vehicles on the road, such as police cars, fire trucks and ambulances. You can get a fine and demerit points for not giving way to an emergency vehicle.

Obeying directions

You must obey directions given by police on the road, including police signs and hand signals. If the police direct you to pull over, you must stop in a safe place as soon as you can.

Passing a stopped emergency vehicle

When passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing blue or red lights:

  • if the speed limit is 80km/h or less, you must slow down to 40km/h
  • if the speed limit is over 80km/h, you must slow down safely and move over. This includes changing lanes on a multi-lane road, if it’s safe to do so.

You must not increase your speed until you’ve passed all vehicles and people involved.

Giving way to an approaching emergency vehicle

When you hear a siren or see the flashing blue or red lights of an emergency vehicle, you must give way so it can pass.

You may need to move to the left, stop or pull over out of the line of traffic.

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