Emergency vehicles and the move over rule

Key points

1. For an emergency vehicle using audible or visual signals, yield and stop parallel to the right hand edge or curb.

   Source: Handbook p. 121

   “you will always yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to a position parallel to the right-hand edge or curb and remain stopped until that vehicle has passed.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 121

2. Pull over to the right edge clear of intersections and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “Pull over to the right edge of the roadway clear of intersections and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 93

3. On a road with two or more lanes your way, move to a lane not next to a parked emergency vehicle if safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 121

   “yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the parked vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 121

4. If a lane change is not possible, slow to a reasonably safe speed.

   Source: Handbook p. 121

   “If a lane change is not possible, the driver shall slow to a reasonably safe speed.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 121

5. Following an emergency vehicle on a call closer than 500 feet is unlawful.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “Following emergency vehicles responding to call closer than 500 feet is unlawful.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 97

6. Louisiana's move over law requires you to slow down and change lanes when approaching a roadside incident.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “Louisiana "move over" law requires you to slow down and change lanes when approaching a roadside incident.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 30

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Louisiana practice test

1. 1. On a multilane highway, how should you respond to a stopped emergency vehicle displaying warning lamps?

   1. Stop in the lane next to the emergency vehicle
   2. Change to a lane not adjacent to it when safe, or slow to a reasonably safe speed
   3. Keep your speed and pass without changing lanes
   4. Move onto the emergency vehicle's shoulder
   Show answer

   Change to a lane not adjacent to it when safe, or slow to a reasonably safe speed. Louisiana's emergency vehicle rule gives priority to creating space around a parked responder. On a highway with two or more lanes in the same direction, change into a lane that is not next to the parked vehicle when traffic and safety allow. If a lane change cannot be made, slow to a reasonably safe speed. Stopping beside the responder can create a new conflict, and normal speed leaves too little protection for people working roadside. Scan early, signal, check the next lane, and make the safest available adjustment.

2. 2. If a lane change away from a stopped emergency vehicle is unsafe, what should you do?

   1. Slow to a reasonably safe speed and pass carefully
   2. Stop beside the emergency vehicle in the adjacent lane
   3. Speed up to reduce time beside the vehicle
   4. Ignore the vehicle if its lights are flashing
   Show answer

   Slow to a reasonably safe speed and pass carefully. The emergency response rule allows a driver to slow to a reasonably safe speed when moving into a nonadjacent lane is not possible or safe. A sudden lane change can create a side collision, so safety and traffic conditions come first. Speeding up reduces reaction time and increases exposure to workers or responders. Check mirrors, reduce speed early, give the scene room, and move over later when a safe opening exists.

3. 3. What must a driver do when an emergency vehicle sounds a siren and flashes warning lights?

   1. Pull to the right edge clear of intersections and stop
   2. Continue driving if the emergency vehicle is in another lane
   3. Stop in the middle of the nearest intersection
   4. Follow closely so other traffic moves aside
   Show answer

   Pull to the right edge clear of intersections and stop. The Louisiana rule requires drivers to yield to an emergency vehicle using both a siren and flashing warning lights. Pull to the right edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, and remain stopped until the vehicle passes. Stopping in an intersection can obstruct the emergency response, while following closely is unlawful and dangerous. The rule applies to traffic in both directions, so an approaching vehicle does not become someone else's problem merely because it is not directly behind you. Look for additional emergency vehicles before moving again.

Source: the Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Chapter 8: Driving Hazards and Emergencies. 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.