Emergency vehicles, traffic stops and the Move Over Law

Key points

1. Yield to an emergency vehicle with lights and siren on by pulling over to the edge of the road.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-12

   “you must yield right-of-way to an emergency vehicle when the flashing lights and siren are on by pulling over to the edge of the road”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-12

2. Avoid blocking intersections, roadways or driveways whenever possible.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-12

   “Avoid blocking intersections, roadways, or driveways whenever possible”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-12

3. When stopped by police, signal and pull to the side as soon as it is safe, then turn off the ignition and radio.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-12

   “activate your turn signal, and pull to the side of the roadway as soon and safely as possible. Turn off the ignition and radio”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-12

4. Keep your hands on the steering wheel so they can be easily seen.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-12

   “Keep your hands on the steering wheel so they can be easily seen.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-12

5. In SC, a driver is not required to sign a traffic ticket.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-13

   “In SC it is not a requirement that a driver sign a traffic ticket.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-13

6. Approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, change into a lane away from it if safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-15

   “Slow down and yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane away from the authorized emergency vehicle, if safety and traffic conditions permit.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-15

7. If a lane change is unsafe, slow down and proceed with caution.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-15

   “If a lane change is unsafe, slow down and proceed with caution while maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-15

8. An orange and red triangle on the back of a vehicle means it is going less than 25 mph.

   Source: Handbook p. 10-16

   “the vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-16

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the South Carolina practice test

1. 1. An emergency vehicle approaches with its flashing lights and siren operating. What is the driver's duty?

   1. Stop in the center of the intersection to reserve the lane
   2. Keep moving at the same speed so the emergency vehicle can follow
   3. Pull over to the edge of the road so the emergency vehicle can pass more easily
   4. Turn toward the emergency vehicle to make your position obvious
   Show answer

   Pull over to the edge of the road so the emergency vehicle can pass more easily. When an emergency vehicle uses both its flashing lights and siren, yield right-of-way by pulling toward the edge of the road. That creates a clearer path for the responding vehicle. Maintaining speed leaves the emergency vehicle trapped behind you, and stopping in an intersection can block its route and other traffic. A turn toward the vehicle is unpredictable and unsafe. Signal your intention, move over smoothly when possible, and remain stopped or pulled aside until the emergency vehicle has passed and the roadway is clear.

2. 2. When approaching a stopped authorized emergency vehicle in South Carolina, what should a driver do if traffic and safety permit?

   1. Change lanes away from the emergency vehicle while slowing and yielding
   2. Maintain speed in the nearest lane and sound the horn
   3. Stop beside the emergency vehicle so traffic can pass
   4. Move toward the emergency vehicle before changing lanes
   Show answer

   Change lanes away from the emergency vehicle while slowing and yielding. The Move-Over Law guidance combines three actions: approach cautiously, slow down, and yield by moving into a lane away from the stopped authorized emergency vehicle when conditions make that safe. Staying beside the vehicle at the same speed leaves the people working there exposed. Stopping next to the vehicle can also obstruct the scene. The visual cue is the stopped emergency vehicle: create lateral space when possible, while preserving control and watching surrounding traffic.

3. 3. If moving into another lane is unsafe near a stopped authorized emergency vehicle, how should a South Carolina driver proceed?

   1. Keep the original speed because a lane change is unavailable
   2. Slow down and proceed cautiously at a safe speed for traffic conditions
   3. Stop in the travel lane until the emergency vehicle leaves
   4. Accelerate past the scene before another vehicle approaches
   Show answer

   Slow down and proceed cautiously at a safe speed for traffic conditions. The alternative to an unsafe lane change is not to keep speed or stop in the roadway. The driver should slow down and continue with caution at a speed suited to the traffic conditions. That preserves room to react while avoiding a maneuver that could create a second collision. Accelerating past the scene defeats the protective purpose of the law. When the lane change cannot be made safely, reduce speed first, then scan for workers, equipment, and nearby traffic.

Source: the South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 10: 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.