Emergency vehicles and the Move Over law

Key points

1. When an emergency vehicle overtakes you with lights on, pull to the right side and stop until it passes.

   Source: Handbook p. 40

   “Wyoming law requires you to pull off to the right side of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 40

2. If you are already in a roundabout, continue to your exit, then pull over.

   Source: Handbook p. 49

   “If you are already • in a roundabout, continue to your exit, leave the roundabout and then pull over to the right so the emergency vehicle can pass.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 49

3. The Move Over law covers emergency, municipal, utility and road construction vehicles stopped or going under 20 mph within 3 feet of the road.

   Source: Handbook p. 71

   “is stopped or is moving at less than twenty (20) miles per hour on or within three (3) feet of a roadway with lights or other emergency signals activated”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 71

4. On a road with 2 or more lanes your way, merge into the lane farthest from the vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 71

   “When driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two (2) or more lanes traveling in the same direction of the emergency vehicle or other municipal vehicle, the driver shall merge into the lane farthest from the vehicle”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 71

5. On a two lane road posted 45 mph or more, slow to 20 mph below the limit.

   Source: Handbook p. 72

   “When driving on a two (2) lane road with a posted speed limit of forty‑five (45) miles per hour or greater, the driver shall slow to a speed that is twenty (20) miles per hour less than the posted speed limit”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 72

6. When you see police lights, stay calm, slow down and pull over to the right in a safe location.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “When you see the blue and red overhead lights and/or hear the siren, remain calm, slow down, and pull over to the right of the roadway in a safe location.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 39

7. Wyoming law requires you to carry your license, proof of insurance and registration.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. Wyoming law requires you to carry these with you.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 39

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Wyoming practice test

1. 1. An emergency vehicle approaches from behind with its siren sounding. What should you do first?

   1. Race through the next intersection to stay ahead of it
   2. Pull as close as possible to the right edge and stop
   3. Stop immediately in the center of the intersection
   4. Maintain speed and let the emergency driver choose a path
   Show answer

   Pull as close as possible to the right edge and stop. When a fire truck, police car, or ambulance approaches from behind, the manual directs the driver to move as close as possible to the right curb or roadway edge and stop. Do not stop in an intersection, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Racing ahead can obstruct the response, while stopping in the center creates a blockage. Keeping a foot on the brake helps communicate that the vehicle is stationary. Afterward, check for additional emergency vehicles before moving.

2. 2. On a two-lane road posted at least 45 mph, what is required near a stopped emergency vehicle on or within three feet of the roadway with activated signals?

   1. Slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit
   2. Slow to 10 mph below the posted speed limit
   3. Maintain the posted limit if the emergency vehicle is off the pavement
   4. Stop in the opposing lane until the scene is cleared
   Show answer

   Slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Wyoming's Move Over rule uses a specific reduction on a two-lane road when the posted speed limit is 45 mph or greater. The driver must slow to a speed 20 mph below that posted limit unless a police officer directs otherwise. The rule is not limited to vehicles sitting in a travel lane, and the shoulder or opposing lane is not a substitute for controlled passage. Identify the activated lights early, reduce speed before reaching the scene, and leave room for workers and responders.

3. 3. Under Wyoming's Move Over Law, which additional stopped vehicle category is named besides emergency vehicles?

   1. Any privately owned passenger car with its hood raised
   2. An authorized municipal, public utility, or highway construction vehicle
   3. Only a school bus loading children on a two-lane road
   4. A delivery van stopped at a restaurant
   Show answer

   An authorized municipal, public utility, or highway construction vehicle. The law covers authorized municipal, public utility, highway construction, and highway maintenance vehicles when their lights or other emergency signals are activated and the vehicle is stopped or moving below 20 mph on or near the roadway. The private car and restaurant van choices are not named categories. A school bus is not the only additional class. On a multilane highway, move into the lane farthest from the stopped vehicle when safe; on a qualifying two-lane road, slow as required.

Source: the Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Rules of 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.