Police & emergency vehicles
What to do if you encounter police, ambulance, fire and other authorised emergency vehicles while on the road.
When passing a stationary emergency vehicle displaying blue or red flashing lights SLOW DOWN to 40km/h. More information on slowing down around emergency vehicles visit the Transport for NSW Centre for Road Safety website.
The information given in this section is a guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
This information is also available in the Road Users Handbook.
You can access the full text of the NSW Road Rules on the NSW Legislation website.
Police directions
Prepare to be stopped if you see:
- The police
- A police vehicle
- Red/blue flashing lights
- The police using signs.
Police often give hand signal directions at intersections and attend many incidents on the road.
You must always obey any direction you are given from the police.
Police and emergency vehicles
When you hear a siren or see the flashing blue or red lights of an emergency vehicle (eg Police, Fire Brigade or Ambulance vehicle) you must give way.
This means get out of the way, so the emergency vehicle has a clear passage through traffic.
Generally, if you hear a siren or see the flashing lights, pull over to the left until the emergency vehicle passes.
You will be liable for an on-the-spot fine if you do not give way to emergency vehicles.
In the event you are pursued by a police vehicle you must immediately pull over and stop.Share this page: