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New Hampshire driving lesson · Sharing the Road

Emergency vehicles, Move Over, and police stops

A 3-minute lesson from the New Hampshire course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Sharing the Road
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
47, 48

When police, fire or ambulance vehicles are responding, you must clear the way. NH's Move Over law also protects people at roadside incidents. And during a traffic stop, calm, predictable behavior keeps everyone safe.

Know the rule

Yield to emergency vehicles from any direction using a siren or flashing lights: pull immediately to the right side and stop until they pass, without blocking an intersection. Then signal and re-enter when safe.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
500 feet

Don't follow a fire truck closer than this when it's using its siren or lights

Handbook p. 47 ↗

Know the rule

Don't drive or park within the block where a fire truck has stopped to answer a fire alarm.

Handbook p. 47 ↗

Move Over law (RSA 265:37-a)

Give a wide space, or move to a lane not next to an emergency vehicle, if traffic allows you to safely.

Handbook p. 47 ↗

At a fire, crash, disaster, utility work, emergency blockage or police traffic stop:

  • Maintain a reduced speed
  • Obey anyone authorized to direct traffic, and all emergency signals and devices
  • Leave any wholly or partially blocked lane as soon as possible
  • Give a wide berth to responders, people in the road, and stopped vehicles with blue, red or amber lights
Handbook p. 47 ↗

Know the rule

Violating the Move Over law brings a fine plus penalty assessment, and an increased fine for another offense within 12 months.

Handbook p. 47 ↗

When police pull you over:

  • Come to a complete stop and put the vehicle in park
  • Stay in the vehicle unless asked to get out
  • Turn off the engine, turn on hazard flashers, and at night the interior lights
  • Stay calm, keep your seat belt on (passengers too), hands on the wheel, limit movement
Handbook p. 47 ↗

Know the rule

When asked for license and registration, say where they are and reach slowly with one hand on the wheel. Answer questions fully and clearly.

Handbook p. 48 ↗

Know the rule

If the police vehicle is unmarked, make sure its blue lights are on. If the officer is in plain clothes, ask for ID such as a badge or department ID card.

Handbook p. 48 ↗

Put it into practice

A cruiser with lights flashing is stopped on the shoulder of a two-lane highway. Slow down, and if the left lane is clear, move into it. If you can't change lanes safely, give as wide a berth 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.

How close may a driver follow a fire truck that is sounding its siren or operating flashing lights?
  1. Not closer than 100 feet
  2. Not closer than 500 feet
  3. Not closer than 50 feet
  4. Not closer than 1,000 feet

Answer: Not closer than 500 feet

Drivers must not follow a fire truck closer than 500 feet when its siren or lights are active.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
What does New Hampshire's 'Move Over' law require drivers to do near a stopped emergency vehicle?
  1. Stop completely until the emergency vehicle leaves
  2. Drive normally since the law only applies to police
  3. Give a wide space or change lanes if safe
  4. Speed up to pass the scene quickly

Answer: Give a wide space or change lanes if safe

The Move Over law requires giving wide space or changing lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles when safe.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
When a police vehicle with lights and sirens pulls in behind a car pulling over, what should the driver do first?
  1. Come to a complete stop and place the vehicle in park
  2. Turn off all vehicle lights to avoid glare
  3. Immediately exit the vehicle to speak with the officer
  4. Drive to the nearest well-lit area before stopping

Answer: Come to a complete stop and place the vehicle in park

Drivers should first stop completely and place the vehicle in park.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
During a traffic stop, where should a driver place their hands while waiting for the officer?
  1. Out the open window
  2. On the steering wheel
  3. On the dashboard
  4. In their lap

Answer: On the steering wheel

Drivers should place hands on the steering wheel and limit movement during a stop.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
If an unmarked police vehicle initiates a traffic stop, what should be activated to confirm it's legitimate?
  1. Amber lights
  2. Flashing headlights
  3. Its hazard flashers
  4. Blue lights

Answer: Blue lights

An unmarked vehicle should have its blue lights activated to confirm it's a legitimate stop.

Handbook p. 48 ↗
Drivers must not drive or park within the block where a fire truck has stopped to answer a fire alarm.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Parking or driving within that block is prohibited while a fire truck is responding.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
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