Emergency Vehicles & Rules of the Road

Drivers must be aware of the rules that govern their actions when an emergency vehicle is on the road. Vehicles driven by persons who do not follow the rules of the road risk slowing down or interfering with emergency vehicles that are responding to an emergency. 

Flashing lights and sirens – pull to the right 

All emergency vehicles (fire engines, police vehicles and ambulances) have the right of way when displaying flashing lights and using sirens (sound devices).  

When approached by an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing or sirens engaged, you must immediately drive as closely as possible to the right edge of the roadway and not enter the next intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed. The only exception is if a peace officer gives you other directions. On one-way streets, pull right or left to the nearest curb.  

At an intersection, you must stop and let the emergency vehicle through the intersection, unless given other directions by a peace officer.  

Flashing lights, no sirens – slow down 

If the emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, but no siren engaged, motorists in the vicinity should extend the same privilege as previously mentioned while meeting or being overtaken by the emergency vehicle.   

When an emergency vehicle is stopped on the highway with its emergency lights in operation, you must slow down to 60 km/h when passing it. This does not apply to vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on a divided highway; however, this does apply when travelling in the opposite direction on an undivided highway.  

Never attempt to follow an emergency vehicle going to, or coming from, an emergency. 

Flashing red lights at a fire station - stop 

Flashing red lights in front of a fire station mean that a fire truck is either leaving the station to attend an emergency or backing in on their return from an emergency. You must come to a complete stop at a flashing red light and only proceed when it is safe to do so.   

No lights, no siren 

An emergency vehicle without its lights and sirens on is not going to an emergency and is required to obey all traffic laws.