Can you break the road rules for an ambulance with sirens on?

[diannescruffy]

I've wondered this too, saw a similar scenario to you where the ambulance ended up going over an embankment because the cars in front wouldn't move. I'm pretty sure it's not against the law to make way for emergency vehicles if it is safe.

Regards,
Dianne

[Phteven]

If you're prepared to cop a fine.
The legislation in most states says that you're required to ignore other traffic rules if it is safe to do so. The emphasis is on the 'safe to do so' so pulling over into a no stopping zone or bus lane is generally safe. Running a red is not.

Traffic Support Superintendent Mark Fairney said Mr MacDonald did not have a specific exemption, as emergency vehicles have (police, fire and ambulance), and so did not have any legal standing in disobeying the traffic light.

"Motorists have an obligation to give way to emergency vehicles but they also have an obligation to drive with due care and abide by the traffic laws," Mr Fairney said. "The driver in these circumstances would have a series of different options they could have considered.

"Disobeying the red traffic light is fraught with danger.

"A better option would be to wait until the traffic light changes to green and then provide a safe passage for the ambulance by moving out of its path in the safest way possible."

SA Ambulance Service chief executive Ray Creen agreed motorists should never risk their safety to accommodate ambulances.

"Whilst it was vital motorists do their very best to make a clear passage for an emergency vehicle driving with lights and sirens, we do not encourage motorists to break the law to get out of our way," he said.

"This includes driving at excessive speeds or running a red light. These are obviously dangerous things to do as they put both the driver and other motorists at risk."

Full article

[Rowellen]

This exact situation has happened to me with a fire truck. I was stopped at the red when a fire truck came up behind me. I was only 18 & had no idea what to do. I panicked for a moment before the truck beeped at me & I ended up pulling into the intersection and moving as far left as I could so the truck could get past. Like in your case, all traffic was stopped so it was safe. The bulk line was well back from the intersection & there was a traffic island to the left. Also it was a T intersection so no traffic could have come from the right. so it was the only thing to do. I think it would be a case by case basis. Every situation would be different.

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

Nope. I've seen ambulances over here drive over on the wrong side of the road to get through an intersection with lights, or go to the slip lane and then continue into the intersection. But if you get flashed going through a red light, you can't fight it by saying you moved for an emergency vehicle.

[Diamond75]

I can't see the problem providing you aren't putting yourself/others in danger. Although I guess the person may have just panicked and didn't know what to do.

[Sagres]

I don't think it is legal to enter the intersection, but I think if you did do so and member of the police witnessed it you would would be pretty darn unlucky if they actually gave you a fine for it, I would have thought more often that not they would let it slide or perhaps give a friendly warning??

[Fleur]

I agree with Sagres, I don't think it is legal but I've seen it happen. I've done it myself, when all traffic was stopped and the car in front of me moved forwards into the intersection; I moved ahead slightly and to the left so they could pass.

I guess if you make it legal though you open it up for people to be stupid about it and use the excuse that they were moving for an emergency vehicle...

[~Raven~]

I would move out of the way. The ambulance is honking the horn for a damn good reason and I'd hate to think that I was the reason someone didn't make it

If you get snapped by a red light camera you can challenge it. DH has and had it removed