Published
Make room safely
An approaching siren can catch you by surprise. If a police, fire or ambulance vehicle is sounding an alarm or showing flashing red or blue lights, you must move out of its path as soon as you can safely do so.
The aim is a clear path, with calm and predictable movements. Look ahead, check your mirrors and take account of the other people around you.
Look, listen and move
- Look. Find the emergency vehicle and the space available around you. Check your mirrors and the traffic ahead before changing position.
- Listen. Stay alert to an approaching siren, including when the vehicle is not yet in view. Keep your attention on the road.
- Move safely. Slow down, indicate and move left if it is safe. Avoid sudden braking or swerving. If you cannot move left safely, stay where you are and allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
Help other drivers make room too. Queensland Fire's lights and sirens guide (PDF) shows common situations, including busy traffic where allowing another vehicle to merge can help clear the path.
What if you are stopped at a red light?
Queensland law allows crossing a red light or moving onto the other side of the road to clear an emergency vehicle's path if it is safe to do so. This is not a direction to enter moving traffic. Check the situation carefully and do not force a movement that puts anyone at risk. Read TMR's guidance for approaching emergency vehicles.
Passing a parked response vehicle is a different situation
When a covered emergency response vehicle is parked with flashing lights, Queensland's move-over and slow-down rules apply. On a multi-lane road, leave a clear lane when safe and practical. If you cannot leave that gap, move over within your lane as far as possible and slow to a safe speed.
The rules cover emergency services, transport enforcement and specified breakdown-assistance vehicles. Check the parked emergency response vehicle guidance for the vehicle types, exceptions and safe-speed considerations.
If you are learning, discuss these situations before they happen. Our patient driving lessons for real traffic situations help you practise observation and calm decisions while sharing the road.