New York DMV Permit Written TestRules of the Road and Traffic LawsEasy
You are driving on a two-lane road and see an emergency vehicle approaching from behind with its lights flashing and siren sounding. What is the correct action you must take?
- AContinue driving at your current speed until it passes.
- BIncrease your speed to clear the way quickly.
- CPull over to the left edge of the road and stop.
- DPull over to the right edge of the road and stop.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop.
New York State law requires drivers to move to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches with active lights and sirens. This clears the lane for the emergency vehicle to pass safely.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Continuing at speed obstructs the emergency vehicle and is illegal.
- B. Increasing speed is dangerous and illegal when an emergency vehicle is approaching.
- C. Pulling to the left is incorrect and could impede traffic or the emergency vehicle.
Emergency Vehicle Right-of-Way
When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens, all drivers must yield the right-of-way by pulling to the right edge of the road and stopping.
- Applies to police, fire, and ambulance.
- Requires moving to the right and stopping.
- Clear the path for the emergency vehicle.
Memory trick: Lights and sirens? Move right, then silence.