California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Rules of the Road and Right-of-WayMedium
You are driving and hear the siren of an emergency vehicle approaching from behind. There is no shoulder on the road, and the lane next to you is occupied by other vehicles. What is the safest and most appropriate action to take?
- AMaintain your speed and lane position, as you cannot safely move over.
- BFlash your headlights to signal the emergency vehicle to pass on the left.
- CIncrease your speed to clear the way quickly.
- DMove as far to the right as possible, even if it means slightly leaving the paved surface, and stop.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Move as far to the right as possible, even if it means slightly leaving the paved surface, and stop.
When an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens and/or lights, you must pull over to the right edge of the road as far as safely possible and stop, even if it means moving slightly onto an unpaved shoulder or curb.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Maintaining position is incorrect; you are legally required to yield to emergency vehicles.
- B. Flashing headlights is not the correct procedure and could confuse the emergency vehicle driver.
- C. Increasing speed is dangerous and counterproductive to allowing the emergency vehicle to pass.
Emergency Vehicle Right-of-Way
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles with sirens/lights by pulling to the right edge of the road and stopping.
- Pull to the right edge of the road.
- Stop completely.
- Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
- Applies to ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles.
Memory trick: Hear the siren, clear the lane, pull right, stop, no strain.