What are the road rules around emergency vehicles?

Most motorists know the sirens and flashing lights on a police car, fire truck or ambulance mean ‘move out of the way if it’s safe to do so’.

But did you know special laws also apply when approaching an assistance vehicle such as a tow truck or NRMA patrol?

1. Emergency vehicles

When you see or hear an emergency vehicle with sirens or flashing lights, move or pull over as soon as you can. You must give way to emergency vehicles even when you have right of way (such as at a stop sign or a green light).

Unless there is a median strip, you must slow to 40km/h when passing an emergency vehicle on the other side of the road. Sometimes travelling on the wrong side is the only way for these vehicles to get around traffic congestion, so be ready to give way.

2. Roadworks

Special speed limits usually apply in roadwork zones, which will be marked with signage. Roadwork speed limits are legally enforceable during active hours. Be on the lookout for road workers on foot and construction vehicles, and obey signals from traffic controllers.

3. Assistance vehicles

When an emergency or assistance vehicle (such as an NRMA patrol van) is pulled over with lights flashing in a speed zone 80km/h or below, you must slow down to 40km/h as you pass it. For speed zones 90km/h and above, use your judgment and slow to a speed that lets you pass by safely.

4. Breakdowns

No specific laws apply to passing a broken-down car, but common sense applies. Slow down as you approach the scene and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle. If you want to stop and help, pull over in a safe spot and check for traffic before getting out.