Emergency vehicles, Move Over and police stops

Key points

1. For a vehicle with flashing blue or red lights or a siren from any direction, pull right and stop until it passes.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “If you see or hear a vehicle with flashing blue or red signal lights and/or sounding a siren, approaching from any direction, the law says you must pull over to the right side of the road and stop.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 31

2. Proceed with caution past a stopped police or emergency vehicle with flashing lights.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “If you see a police vehicle with flashing blue lights, or an emergency vehicle with flashing red lights, which is stopped, you must always proceed with caution (slow down).”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 31

3. On a four lane highway, also change lanes if you can do so safely.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “If you are on a four-lane highway, such as an Interstate, the law also requires you to make a lane change if you can do so safely.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 31

4. If you cannot change lanes, slow to 20 mph below the limit to pass stopped vehicles.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “If you are unable to change lanes you must slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit in order to go by the stopped vehicles.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

5. Yield to working maintenance vehicles such as snowplows with flashing lights.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “For example, a driver approaching a snowplow with lights flashing must proceed with caution and yield the right of way.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 31

6. In a roundabout, exit before pulling over for an emergency vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “If you are already in the roundabout pull over when you have safely exited the roundabout.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 30

7. When stopped by police, pull as close as safely possible to the right, not in an intersection or median.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “Drive as close as you safely can to the right side of the road. Do not stop in an intersection or pull into the center median of a divided highway.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 30

8. Stay in your vehicle unless the officer asks you to get out.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “Stay in your vehicle. Do not get out unless requested.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 30

9. In a dim area, turn on your interior lights after stopping.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “If in a dimly lit area turn on the vehicle’s interior lights, after stopping, and before the officer approaches.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 30

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Vermont practice test

1. 1. An emergency vehicle with flashing blue or red lights and a siren approaches. What must you do?

   1. Turn left immediately into the nearest side street
   2. Continue at the speed limit if your lane is open
   3. Stop in the intersection so the vehicle can pass around you
   4. Pull to the right and stop until it has gone by
   Show answer

   Pull to the right and stop until it has gone by. When an emergency or law enforcement vehicle approaches with the specified lights or siren, Vermont's move over rule requires pulling to the right side and stopping. The vehicle must remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has gone by. Continuing at speed fails to yield, and stopping in an intersection can block the emergency path. A sudden left turn creates a second conflict rather than clearing the roadway. Watch mirrors, signal right when safe, and remain stationary until the response vehicle passes.

2. 2. What must you do when approaching a stopped police or emergency vehicle with flashing lights if you cannot change lanes safely?

   1. Stop in the travel lane until the lights are turned off
   2. Maintain the posted speed because a lane change is impossible
   3. Slow down and pass the stopped vehicle with caution
   4. Accelerate past before another vehicle reaches the scene
   Show answer

   Slow down and pass the stopped vehicle with caution. A safe lane change is preferred near a stopped vehicle with flashing lights, but an unsafe lane change is never required. In that case, the driver must slow down and pass with caution. Posted speed is not a command to maintain speed through a roadside hazard, and stopping in the travel lane can create a rear-end risk. Acceleration gives less time to respond. Scan early, choose the adjacent lane only when clear, or reduce speed and leave generous space while passing.

3. 3. Where should you stop when a police vehicle is stopping you?

   1. In the left lane beside the police vehicle
   2. In the center median of a divided highway
   3. In the intersection so the officer has a clear view
   4. As close as safely possible to the right side, outside an intersection
   Show answer

   As close as safely possible to the right side, outside an intersection. The police-stop procedure calls for moving as close as safely possible to the right side of the road. It also specifically says not to stop in an intersection or pull into the center median of a divided highway. Those locations can obstruct traffic or expose both vehicles to unnecessary danger. Choose a visible, safe position at the right edge, keep your belt fastened, limit movement, and wait for the officer’s instructions. The roadway position is part of handling the stop safely.

Source: the Vermont Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Driving Safely and Studying for Your Permit. 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.