What Arizona Drivers Must Know When Emergency Vehicles Approach

When you’re on the road and hear sirens or see flashing lights, every second matters—not just for you, but for the lives of others. Emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars are often racing toward life-threatening situations. Knowing how to respond—and doing so quickly—can save lives and keep everyone on the road safe.

Here’s what Arizona law requires and why it’s critical to act without hesitation.

What Arizona Law Says (A.R.S. § 28-775)

Arizona law is clear when it comes to yielding to emergency vehicles:

When an emergency vehicle is approaching with lights and/or sirens activated, you must:

• Immediately pull over to the right side of the road and stop.

• If on a multi-lane highway, move over one lane to the left if safe to do so.

• Stay put until the emergency vehicle has passed.

• If you’re in an intersection, clear the intersection first, then pull over safely.

Failing to comply can result in fines, points on your license, and even criminal charges if your inaction causes harm.

Dangers of Not Yielding

The consequences of not moving for emergency vehicles are very real:

• 🚑 Delayed medical care: Seconds can mean life or death for cardiac arrest, trauma, or stroke victims.

• 🚒 Obstructed fire response: Fire crews may be blocked from reaching burning buildings, risking lives and property.

• 🚓 Jeopardized police response: Delays can hinder officers responding to active crime or public safety threats.

• 🚗 Accidents: Sudden stops or erratic driving around emergency vehicles can cause serious collisions.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, dozens of emergency responders are killed each year due to vehicles not moving over or yielding properly.

Common Mistakes Drivers Make

Avoid these frequent errors:

• Stopping in the middle of the road instead of pulling to the right.

• Panic braking, which can cause rear-end collisions.

• Trying to outrun the emergency vehicle or not noticing it until it’s too close.

• Blocking intersections, making it impossible for responders to pass through.

Tips for Safe, Quick Action

1. Stay alert: Keep your music low and avoid distractions so you can hear sirens early.

2. Scan often: Check mirrors frequently, especially in high-traffic areas.

3. Signal clearly: Use turn signals when pulling over or changing lanes.

4. Don’t tailgate: Never follow an emergency vehicle closely after it passes.

Remember Arizona’s “Move Over Law” Applies Too

If an emergency vehicle is stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights, Arizona law requires drivers to:

• Move over one lane, if possible.

• If not, slow down and proceed with caution.

This law applies not only to police and fire but also to tow trucks and utility vehicles.

Final Thoughts

Yielding to emergency vehicles isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a matter of life and death. Arizona’s roads are safer when every driver does their part to ensure responders can do their job without delay or danger.

Next time you see flashing lights, pull over safely and let them pass—because lives may depend on it.