Emergency vehicles — Maryland Permit Test

When an emergency vehicle approaches using lights or siren, pull as close as possible to the right edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, and stop until it has passed.

Emergency vehicles need a predictable path, and everyone pulling right creates one. Stopping in an intersection blocks it instead.

Drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, or service or utility vehicle displaying warning lights must move to a lane not adjacent to it when possible, or slow to a reasonable and prudent speed (the Move Over law).

Someone working at the roadside has nowhere to go if you clip them, so the law asks for a whole lane where one is available.

Since October 2022, the Move Over law also applies to any stopped vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals.

A broken-down driver on the shoulder is in the same danger as a police officer, so the protection was extended to them.

Drivers may not follow a fire apparatus responding to an alarm within 500 feet.

Drivers may not drive over an unprotected fire hose without permission from the fire department.

Under the Move Over law, when approaching a stopped emergency or service vehicle with warning lights, you must...

move to a lane not next to it, or slow to a safe speed. Someone working at the roadside has nowhere to go if you clip them, so the law asks for a whole lane where one is available.