A 4-minute lesson from the Alaska course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
When an emergency vehicle comes with lights flashing, your job is to get out of its way. If police signal you to stop, a few simple habits keep you and the officer safe.
Know the rule
Police, fire and ambulance vehicles have sirens and front red and/or blue lights. It is illegal for any unauthorized vehicle to show a red light to the front or a blue light to the side.
When an emergency vehicle approaches with flashing red and/or blue lights, siren or not, drivers going any direction must slow, pull to the right-hand edge clear of any intersection, and stop until it passes (13 AAC 02.140).
Pull over to the right and stop for an emergency vehicle
Know the rule
For emergency vehicles responding on the road (ambulance, fire truck, law enforcement or tow truck), move to the lane away from them. If you can't, or there's only one lane your way, slow down and drive safely around the scene.
Stationary emergency vehicles or tow trucks with flashing lights on a four-lane road: move to the lane opposite them if safe. If it isn't safe, or on a two-lane road, slow to a reasonable, prudent speed (AS 28.35.185).
Don't drive over a fire department hose without a department official's consent: $100 fine and 2 points (13 AAC 02.520(c)). Your city may have additional ordinances.
When signaled by police, stop as soon as practical and reasonably safe (AS 28.35.182). If you have a concealed deadly weapon, tell the officer immediately.
You're in the left lane of a four-lane road when a patrol car's lights come on behind you. Signal right immediately, move over and stop on the right in a safe spot, turn on the dome light if it's dark, and keep your hands on the wheel.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When an authorized emergency vehicle approaches with flashing lights, what must you do?
Speed up to clear the intersection first
Stop immediately wherever you are, even in the intersection
Pull to the right edge of the roadway and stop, clear of the intersection
Pull to the left and stop
Answer: Pull to the right edge of the roadway and stop, clear of the intersection
You must pull to the right edge of the roadway and stop, clear of the intersection.
