Emergency vehicles and the move over law

Key points

1. When approached by an emergency or police vehicle with a siren or red or blue lights, pull to the nearest right curb or edge and stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 95

   “you must immediately pull to the nearest curb or the edge on the right side of the roadway and stop. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed ahead of you.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 95

2. Approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck or incident response vehicle with lights on, slow below the posted limit.

   Source: Handbook p. 95

   “When you are approaching an emergency or police vehicle that is stopped with lights flashing or a tow truck or incident response vehicle, you are required to immediately reduce your speed below the posted speed limit and proceed with caution.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 95

3. On a road with two or more lanes your way, also move to a lane not next to it as soon as it is safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 95

   “If you are traveling on a road with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, you are also required to change lanes into a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle, as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 95

4. Red or blue emergency lights, sirens, bells and whistles are allowed only on emergency vehicles.

   Source: Handbook p. 42

   “Red or blue emergency lights. These are authorized for emergency vehicles only. Sirens, bells, and whistles.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 42

5. If police stop you, turn off the ignition and radio, stay in the vehicle unless told to exit, and keep your hands on the wheel.

   Source: Handbook p. 132

   “Turn off the ignition and radio, and stay in your vehicle unless directed by the officer to exit. Keep your hands on the steering wheel so they are easily observable.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 132

6. If you have a weapon in the vehicle, tell the officer on first contact.

   Source: Handbook p. 133

   “If you have a weapon in the vehicle, inform the officer upon first contact.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 133

3 questions from the Idaho practice test

1. 1. When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, what must you do on a multilane road?

   1. Keep the posted speed and pass in the lane closest to the vehicle
   2. Reduce below the posted speed and change to a nonadjacent lane when safe
   3. Stop directly behind the emergency vehicle until its lights turn off
   4. Move onto the shoulder and continue at the same speed
   Show answer

   Reduce below the posted speed and change to a nonadjacent lane when safe. For a stopped emergency vehicle, Idaho requires an immediate reduction below the posted speed limit and cautious travel. On a road with at least two lanes moving in the same direction, the driver must also move into a lane that is not adjacent when doing so is safe. The close-lane choice leaves the greatest exposure. A full stop behind the vehicle and a same-speed shoulder maneuver are not the stated response. Check mirrors, signal, create space, and pass carefully.

2. 2. Idaho's move-over protection applies to a stopped tow truck or which other vehicle named in the handbook?

   1. A passenger vehicle waiting for directions
   2. A private delivery van
   3. A highway incident-response vehicle
   4. A farm tractor traveling on the shoulder
   Show answer

   A highway incident-response vehicle. Idaho requires drivers approaching a stopped emergency or police vehicle, tow truck, or incident-response vehicle with flashing lights to reduce speed below the posted limit and proceed cautiously. On a road with at least two lanes moving in the same direction, the driver must also change into a lane that is not beside the stopped vehicle when that move is safe. A delivery van or ordinary waiting car does not receive this named protection. The useful cue is flashing lights on a roadside response vehicle: slow first, then move away when the roadway permits.

3. 3. What does Idaho require when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a two-lane road?

   1. Reduce speed below the posted limit and proceed with caution
   2. Maintain the posted speed and pass closely
   3. Stop permanently until the vehicle is removed
   4. Turn around before reaching the emergency vehicle
   Show answer

   Reduce speed below the posted limit and proceed with caution. When a stopped emergency or police vehicle displays flashing lights, Idaho requires approaching drivers to immediately reduce speed below the posted limit and proceed with caution. The lane-change requirement applies when there are two or more lanes in the same direction, so on a two-lane road the central duty is slowing and careful passage. Normal speed leaves responders less protection, while stopping permanently or turning around is not the stated response. Scan for people and equipment near the roadway.

Source: the Idaho Driver's Handbook, Sharing the Road. 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.