11.1 Emergency Vehicles, the Move-Over Law & Police Stops
Key Takeaways
When an emergency vehicle using a siren or flashing lights approaches from any direction, pull as far right as possible and stop until it passes; slowly rolling is not acceptable.
It is illegal to follow within 300 feet of an emergency vehicle responding to an alarm, or to drive by or park within 800 feet of a fire.
On a highway with at least four lanes, two in your direction, the move-over law requires moving to a lane not next to a stopped emergency, maintenance or recovery vehicle with flashing lights; if you cannot, slow down.
When stopped by police, pull to the right, turn off the engine and radio, stay in the vehicle with hands visible, and turn on the interior light at night.
Failing to produce your license and registration carries a $35 fine for a first offense, and refusing to give your name and address can bring a $100 fine and arrest.
Only practice and experience make a good driver. About 40 percent of highway crashes involve drivers under 25, mostly because of inexperience. This chapter covers situations you hope never to face but must know how to handle, starting with emergency vehicles and police officers.
Moving Emergency Vehicles
Always yield to fire engines, ambulances, police cars and other emergency vehicles using a siren and/or flashing lights.
- If one approaches from any direction, pull as close as possible to the right side of the road and stop until it passes. Slowly rolling is not acceptable.
- Check mirrors, use your right turn signal, and find a safe place on the right. Do not pull to the left or slam on your brakes.
- Never stop in the middle of an intersection. Drive through it, then pull over as soon as it is safe.
- After the vehicle passes, use your left signal, make sure the lane is clear and no other emergency vehicles are coming, and merge back into traffic.
- It is illegal to follow closer than 300 feet behind an emergency vehicle responding to an alarm.
Stationary Emergency and Maintenance Vehicles
Slow down and stay alert when you see a stopped emergency response vehicle with lights flashing: fire trucks, police cars, ambulances and "disaster vehicles". The same care applies to highway maintenance vehicles and recovery vehicles (tow and ramp trucks) with flashing lights.
The Move-Over Law
Under Chapter 418 of the Acts of 2008, codified as M.G.L. chapter 89, section 7C, when you approach a stationary emergency, highway maintenance or recovery vehicle with flashing lights:
- Proceed with caution and reduce your speed to a reasonable and safe speed for the road conditions.
- On a highway with at least four lanes, at least two in your direction, move over if practical into a lane not next to the stopped vehicle. In other words, leave an open lane between you and it. That may mean moving right or left.
- If moving over is not possible, you must still slow down and proceed with caution.
Violations carry a fine of up to $100. Also:
- Be ready to stop when passing an emergency scene, and dim your high beams at night.
- If you need help, pull in front of a police cruiser and ask; never stop behind one. Do not approach an officer who is dealing with another motorist. Stand beside your car on the shoulder until the officer is free.
- It is illegal to drive by or park within 800 feet of a fire. Do not drive over an unprotected fire hose unless a firefighter or public safety official directs you to.
If You Are Stopped by a Police Officer
State law requires you to pull over and stop when signaled by an officer, whether the officer is in a car or on foot. Stops are stressful for both sides, and your actions shape the officer's reaction. In 2022, 42,514 people were killed in U.S. crashes, and 413 of them in Massachusetts, which is why traffic enforcement matters. Officers also face real danger at traffic stops.
What to Do
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Do not ignore the signal. Turn on your signal, check mirrors, and move completely to the right. Never pull over to the left. |
| 2 | Do not stop in an intersection, in front of a driveway or in a travel lane, unless the officer directs you to a specific place. |
| 3 | Put an automatic in park (a manual in neutral with the parking brake on). Turn off the engine and radio. |
| 4 | Stay in the vehicle, passengers too, unless told to get out. If told to get out, stay away from traffic with your hands visible. |
| 5 | At night, leave the headlights on and turn on the interior light. |
| 6 | Roll down your window as the officer walks up. An officer not in uniform will show credentials, or you may ask to see them. |
| 7 | Wait to be asked before reaching for your license and registration, then hand them over outside any wallet or holder. |
| 8 | Keep your hands in sight, tell passengers to do the same, make no sudden movements, and do not use your phone. |
| 9 | Stay in the car while the officer is back at the cruiser. If you find a requested item, hold it out the window. |
| 10 | Answer appropriately if asked about weapons. Be polite, and do not argue about a ticket: you can challenge it in court. |
| 11 | When released, signal, check mirrors and rejoin traffic. On a highway, accelerate in the breakdown lane before merging. |
License, Registration and Citations
- M.G.L. chapter 90, section 11 requires you to keep your license and registration handy. Failing to produce either one costs $35 for a first offense.
- Without them, the officer can ask for your name and address and the owner's. Refusing, or giving a false name or address, can bring a $100 fine (chapter 90, section 25) and arrest.
- Massachusetts registrations name your insurer, so no insurance card is issued, but other states may ask for proof of insurance.
- Massachusetts does not require you to sign a citation. Some states do, and signing only confirms you received it. Once written, a citation must be filed; the officer cannot take it back.
- If you believe you were stopped because of your race or gender, or the officer acted inappropriately, you may report it to the officer's department.
An ambulance with flashing lights and a siren approaches from behind on a two-lane road. What should you do?
Pull to the left so it can pass you on the right side
Pull as far right as possible and stop until it passes
Speed up until you find a wider spot farther ahead
Slow down and keep rolling slowly in your lane until it passes you
How closely may you follow an emergency vehicle responding to an alarm?
No closer than 300 feet
No closer than 100 feet
No closer than 800 feet
No closer than 500 feet
On a four-lane divided highway you approach a tow truck stopped on the right shoulder with flashing lights. What does the move-over law require?
Nothing, since tow trucks are not emergency vehicles
Slow down and move to a lane not next to it if practical
Stop in your lane until the tow truck leaves
Use the breakdown lane to pass the scene
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.