Emergency Vehicles & School Zones
Sirens, flashing lights, and school crossings demand an immediate and safe response. You must give way to emergency vehicles and must obey rules in school zones to protect children and vulnerable pedestrians.
Legal Essentials
- You must yield to emergency vehicles using sirens or flashing lights. [1]
- You must not block or obstruct the path of an emergency vehicle. [3]
- You must obey instructions from police, crossing guards, or other authorised persons directing traffic. [1]
- You must slow down in school zones and follow posted speed limits and warning signs. [2]
Good Practice
Emergency Vehicles
- Pull over safely: Move to the left-hand side of the road and stop if possible.
- At roundabouts or junctions: Do not stop in the intersection. Leave it first, then pull over. See Roundabouts.
- In traffic queues: Stay in your lane and create a clear path; do not mount kerbs or drive through red lights unless directed.
- At roadworks: Follow flagger or police instructions. See Roadworks & Closures.
School Zones
- Slow down: Observe posted school-zone speed limits (often reduced during school hours).
- Crossing guards: Stop when signalled and remain stopped until children and guards are clear. [2]
- Extra care: Watch for children running into the road unexpectedly.
- No overtaking: Never overtake another vehicle in a school zone.
Special Considerations
- Multiple emergency vehicles: Wait until all have passed before moving off.
- False alarms or convoys: Treat all sirens and lights as genuine until clear.
- School buses: When school buses stop to load/unload, you should slow or stop as necessary and be alert for crossing children.
Exam Pointers
- What must you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with flashing lights and siren? → Pull over safely and let it pass. [1]
- Is it legal to block an emergency vehicle if traffic is heavy? → No, blocking is an offence. You must create a clear path. [3]
- What must you do in a school zone? → Slow down, obey signs, and stop when directed by a crossing guard. [2]
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to stop for an emergency vehicle at a red light?
Yes, but only when it is safe. Do not cross a red light unless directed by police. Pull left and stop where possible.
What should I do if I’m in the middle of a roundabout when an ambulance approaches?
Exit the roundabout first, then pull over safely. Never stop on the roundabout itself. See also Roundabouts.
Are school zone speed limits always in effect?
No. Reduced limits usually apply during school hours, but you must follow posted signs and warnings.
Do I have to obey a school crossing guard?
Yes. Crossing guards are authorised to direct traffic, and you must stop when signalled.
[2]
Can I overtake in a school zone?
No. Overtaking is prohibited in school zones for safety reasons.