Emergency vehicles — North Carolina Permit Test

Police cars, ambulances, fire engines and rescue vehicles with flashing lights and sirens always have the right of way.

Somebody at the other end of that siren is waiting for help. The road belongs to the vehicle going to them.

Police cars, ambulances, fire engines and rescue vehicles with flashing lights and sirens always have the right of way.

As an emergency vehicle approaches from ahead or behind, drive to the right-hand curb or edge of the road and stop completely, and remain stopped until it has passed or a traffic officer directs you to move.

The emergency driver needs a clear, predictable path. A car stopped at the right edge is one they can count on.

As the emergency vehicle approaches (from ahead or behind), drive to the right-hand curb or edge of the road and stop completely;

All vehicles, whatever direction they travel, must yield to an approaching emergency vehicle, except vehicles traveling the opposite way on a four-lane limited-access highway with a center median.

On a divided highway the emergency vehicle cannot cross to your side. Stopping there helps nobody and risks a rear-end crash.

All vehicles, regardless of direction of travel, must yield right of way to an approaching emergency vehicle. This does not apply to vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of the emergency vehicle(s) when traveling on a four-lane limited-access highway with a center median.

Do not park within 100 feet of an emergency vehicle that has stopped to investigate an accident or give assistance.

Crews need room to work and more vehicles may be coming. A parked car in that space is in the way of both.

Do not park within 100 feet of an emergency vehicle that has stopped to investigate an accident or to give assistance;

Do not drive or park closer than one block from fire trucks responding to a fire alarm, and never drive over a fire hose.

A fire scene needs a whole block for hoses and trucks. A car over a hose can cut the water to the fire.

Do not drive or park closer than one block from fire trucks responding to a fire alarm;

Who has the right of way when an ambulance approaches with lights and siren?

The ambulance, in every case. Somebody at the other end of that siren is waiting for help. The road belongs to the vehicle going to them. North Carolina Driver Handbook, p.48: “Police cars, ambulances, fire engines and rescue vehicles with flashing lights and sirens always have the right of way.”