Rules of the road
Lesson 1 · Right of way basics

What do you do when an ambulance comes up behind you?

Short answer

Pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Stay stopped until it passes, then signal and merge back carefully.

Watch it play out

How to do it

  1. Check your mirrors and signal right.
  2. Pull as far right as you safely can and stop. Do not stop in an intersection; clear it first.
  3. Wait until the vehicle has passed and check for more coming.
  4. Signal and merge back when it is safe.

Why the rule works this way

Emergency crews need a clear, predictable path. When everyone moves the same way, the driver knows where the open lane will be.

Common mistakes

  • Stopping in the lane, which blocks the road.
  • Following close behind the emergency vehicle to get through traffic.
State differencesEvery state also has a Move Over law: when you pass an emergency vehicle stopped on the shoulder with lights on, move a lane away or slow down.
In VirginiaPull to the right and stop for an emergency vehicle with a siren, including one coming the other way on an undivided road. On roads with two or more lanes your way, move over a lane for any stopped vehicle with flashing lights, or slow down if you cannot. See all Virginia rules

Questions people ask

What if I am at a red light?

Stay put unless you can move right safely. Do not run the light. Let the emergency driver find a way around.