A 3-minute lesson from the Michigan course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
When an emergency vehicle is coming, get out of its way fast. When one is stopped on the roadside, give it space. Michigan's move-over law applies to tow trucks and road crews too.
Know the rule
Yield to emergency vehicles approaching from any direction with red and blue lights flashing, rotating or oscillating, and to stopped emergency vehicles with red, blue or amber lights.
For a stopped emergency vehicle, slow down at least 10 mph below the posted limit and move over a lane if traffic and conditions allow. If you can't move over, slow down and keep as much space as possible.
Drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb, and stop until the vehicle passes or an officer signals it's clear.
Proceed with caution and be ready to yield when approaching or passing a stopped waste collection, utility or road maintenance vehicle with flashing lights.
On a freeway posted 70 mph, a tow truck is stopped on the shoulder with amber lights flashing. Move over a lane if it's safe. If traffic blocks you, slow to 60 mph or less and pass with as much space as you can.
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 you see a stopped emergency vehicle with lights flashing, what does the law require?
Pull onto the shoulder and stop until it leaves
Slow 10+ mph below the limit and move over if possible
Slow 5 mph below the limit and stay in your lane
Keep your speed but leave extra room
Answer: Slow 10+ mph below the limit and move over if possible
The law requires slowing at least 10 mph below the posted limit and moving over a lane if traffic and conditions allow.