Emergency vehicles

Key points

1. An emergency vehicle is one properly equipped with a blue or red flashing light and warning sound system.

   Source: Handbook p. 8

   “properly equipped with a blue or red flashing light and warning sound system.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 8

2. When an emergency vehicle signals, you must provide a clear path for it.

   Source: Handbook p. 29

   “an emergency vehicle, you must provide a clear path for the”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 29

3. First determine the location and direction of the emergency vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 29

   “Determine the location and direction of the emergency vehicle.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 29

4. Then move your vehicle out of its path.

   Source: Handbook p. 29

   “Move your vehicle out of the path of the emergency vehicle.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 29

5. If it is directly behind you in heavy traffic, keep moving slowly until you can get out of the way.

   Source: Handbook p. 29

   “keep moving slowly until you can get out of the way.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 29

6. When you approach a stopped emergency vehicle with lights flashing, slow down.

   Source: Handbook p. 29

   “If you approach a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, slow down”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 29

3 questions from the Hawaii practice test

1. 1. When an emergency vehicle is approaching with its warning signal, what is the driver's immediate duty?

   1. Continue at the same speed until it passes
   2. Follow it closely through the intersection
   3. Provide a clear path and stop
   4. Turn toward the emergency vehicle to make room
   Show answer

   Provide a clear path and stop. A siren, bell, horn, or flashing red or blue lamp from an approaching emergency vehicle requires the driver to create a clear path and stop. Reduce speed, identify where the vehicle is coming from, and move out of its path without panic braking. Following it, maintaining speed, or turning toward it can obstruct the response route. Keep watching until the emergency vehicle has passed and the roadway is safe to use again.

2. 2. What should you do when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing?

   1. Keep the same speed because the vehicle is stationary
   2. Slow down or stop as appropriate and create a separating lane if safe
   3. Pass on the shoulder without reducing speed
   4. Stop directly beside it and block the next lane
   Show answer

   Slow down or stop as appropriate and create a separating lane if safe. A stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights remains a roadside hazard and needs a protected space. Slow or stop as conditions require, then move away so an empty lane separates your vehicle from the emergency vehicle whenever that movement is possible and safe. Speeding past, using the shoulder carelessly, or stopping beside the vehicle leaves responders exposed and may create another collision. Scan early so the lane change is gradual rather than abrupt.

3. 3. If an emergency vehicle is directly behind you in heavy traffic, what should you do?

   1. Stop immediately in the lane
   2. Keep moving slowly until you can get out of the way
   3. Race ahead of the emergency vehicle
   4. Turn around and follow it
   Show answer

   Keep moving slowly until you can get out of the way. Heavy traffic may prevent an immediate move to the side. In that setting, Hawaii instructs the driver to keep moving slowly until an opening allows the vehicle to leave the emergency vehicle's path. Stopping immediately in the lane can trap the responder behind you, while racing or turning around creates additional hazards. Keep scanning for a safe escape space, signal your movement when useful, and clear the route without abrupt braking or a risky maneuver.

Source: the Hawaii Driver's Manual, Chapter V: Traffic Laws and Regulations. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.