Types of emergency vehicles

When driving, pay attention to emergency vehicles such as:

  • police cars
  • firetrucks
  • ambulances
  • tow trucks

You can be charged if you don't slow down or move over for emergency vehicles or tow trucks that are stopped with sirens or lights flashing.

When an emergency vehicle approaches

Follow these steps to allow the vehicle to pass by:

  1. Slow down.

  2. Signal.

  3. Move to the right side of the road, clear of any intersection.

  4. Stop.

When the emergency vehicle has passed, check to make sure the way is clear and signal before merging back into traffic.

Moving over safely

There may be situations where you will need to move your vehicle out of the way. For instance:

  • on highways, pull as close as you can to the right side of the road but don't drive on or block the shoulder lane
  • in an intersection, do not make a left turn. Proceed straight through and then pull to the right and stop.
  • on a one-way street, you can pull to the left side of the road if you are unable to move to the right

When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, slow down and pass with caution. If a road has two or more lanes, you must leave a lane of space between you and the emergency vehicle, if you can do so safely.

Penalties

Drivers can be charged if they do not slow down or move over when it is safe to do so. Drivers can face the following penalties:

First offence
  • fines ranging from $400 to $2,000
  • 3 demerit points if convicted
  • possible suspension of driver's licence for up to 2 years
Subsequent offences (within 5 years)
  • fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000
  • 3 demerit points if convicted
  • possible jail time of up to 6 months
  • possible suspension of driver's licence for up to 2 years

It is also illegal to follow within 150 metres of a fire vehicle or ambulance responding to a call.