Emergency vehicles, the Move Over Law and traffic stops

Key points

1. On a two way road, pull to the right and stop for an emergency vehicle. In an intersection, drive through first.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “you must pull to the right and stop. On a one-way road, pull to the nearest side and stop. If you are in an intersection, proceed through it before stopping.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 44

2. Remain stopped until all emergency vehicles have passed.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “Remain stopped until all emergency vehicles have passed.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 44

3. Move Over Law: on a road with two lanes your way, move to the lane farthest from a stopped emergency vehicle if safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “the "Move Over Law" requires you to move to the lane farthest away from the vehicle if it is safe to do so.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 44

4. If you cannot move over, slow down and pass with caution.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “If you cannot move a lane away or are on a street or highway with only one lane in your direction, slow down and pass with caution.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 44

5. The same rule covers stalled vehicles and service, utility, postal and similar vehicles with warning lights on.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “You must follow the same rule when approaching stalled or disabled vehicles and when passing parked vehicles such as service patrol vehicles”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 44

6. Only vehicles on official emergency business may follow within 500 feet of a firefighting vehicle on a run.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “Only vehicles on official emergency business are allowed to follow within 500 feet of a firefighting vehicle on an emergency run.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 44

7. When police stop you, avoid stopping on a bridge, on a curve or in a traffic lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “Avoid stopping on a bridge, curve or within the lane of traffic.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 45

8. Keep your hands on the steering wheel, doors shut, and stay in the vehicle unless told otherwise.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “Keep all doors shut and remain in the vehicle unless directed otherwise by the officer. Keep your hands on the steering wheel so they are easily visible.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 45

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Minnesota practice test

1. 1. An emergency vehicle with flashing red lights and a siren approaches on a two-way road. What should you do?

   1. Pull to the right and stop
   2. Turn left and stop in the nearest travel lane
   3. Keep driving and let the emergency vehicle use the shoulder
   4. Stop immediately in the middle of the intersection
   Show answer

   Pull to the right and stop. On a two-way road, an approaching emergency vehicle using flashing red lights and a siren requires other drivers to pull to the right and stop. If the driver is already in an intersection, the driver should first proceed through it before stopping, so the intersection remains clear. Continuing at the same speed or stopping in the middle of the intersection can block the emergency response. The left-side choice moves toward the vehicle's expected path. The cue is lights plus siren: signal, move right safely, stop, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicles pass.

2. 2. On a road with two lanes in your direction, where should you move when a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights is ahead?

   1. Into the lane closest to the emergency vehicle to pass quickly
   2. To the shoulder beside the stopped vehicle
   3. To the lane farthest away from the stopped vehicle when safe
   4. Across the centerline regardless of opposing traffic
   Show answer

   To the lane farthest away from the stopped vehicle when safe. When a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights is on or next to a road with two lanes in the same direction, Minnesota's Move Over Law calls for moving to the lane farthest away when it is safe. The shoulder beside the vehicle provides less separation, and the choice “Into the lane closest to the emergency vehicle to pass quickly” moves toward the danger. Crossing the centerline without regard for opposing traffic is not a safe interpretation of the rule. Signal early, check mirrors and blind spots, then make the lane change only when it can be completed without creating a new conflict.

3. 3. When emergency lights appear behind you, where should you pull over if it can be done safely?

   1. Onto a bridge or around a curve
   2. Into the center of the roadway
   3. To the right shoulder as soon as possible
   4. Directly in front of the emergency vehicle
   Show answer

   To the right shoulder as soon as possible. When emergency lights are behind the vehicle, Minnesota advises slowing down, activating the turn signal, and pulling to the right shoulder as soon as safely possible. A driver on a multilane road who is closer to the left shoulder may use that side if there is a full lane available for parking. Avoid stopping on a bridge, curve, or in a traffic lane because those locations restrict visibility and emergency access. The goal is a visible, stable position outside the moving path. Signal early, check the shoulder, and stop only where the vehicle can remain clear of traffic.

Source: the Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 4: 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.