Can you break the law for emergency vehicles?

The simple answer is no!

People are being warned that they could be breaking the law when allowing emergency services to pass by. We should if safe to do so try to get out of the way when we hear sirens or see the blue flashing lights of any emergency vehicle, but only if safe, never put yourself or anyone else in dangers trying to do so.

The highway code says that drivers mustn’t break the law when making room for them, letting them through could help save a life, yes, but doing t illegally could put yourself or other motorists and pedestrians in unnecessary danger.

What can you do?
Rule 219 of the highway code lists all the dos and don’ts.

Firstly, don’t panic, consider the route of the emergency vehicle to take appropriate action.

Comply with all traffic sign. If you need to stop, the code suggests stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrowing in the road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, because the driver behind may not have the same view and may not be prepared for it.

If you are in a one-way street or a road where the other lane is blocked, you should continue at a reasonable speed as the emergency vehicle follows until you can safely pull over to the side to let it pass.

Some drivers may ignore this advice and break the rules to let the emergency services pass as it makes its way to the incident, but it is worth remembering that you are still liable for any offences committed.