Possessing certain additional rights, priority vehicles must always have free passage. But can we break the highway code for them?
It is a relatively common scene that happens regularly, especially in large cities. You are stopped at a red light, and all of a sudden, a siren sounds behind you. As you know, it is a priority vehicle, recognizable thanks to its two-tone and its blue flashing light. And there is panic. What to do ? If you stay stopped, you risk blocking the vehicle, but if you move forward, it’s a sure shot, especially if there is a radar or cameras. However, the question does not actually arise. Indeed, as their name suggests, priority vehicles have absolute priority and everything must be done to help them, without however putting you in danger.
Do we risk a fine?
If a fire truck, police or EMS is behind you, then you must yield to them and clear the road. Even if you are stopped at a red light. You can then grill it without fear, while nevertheless checking that another car obviously does not arrive in the intersection, at the risk of causing an accident. In case of flash by a radar, the photo will be examined by an agent who will see the situation. You will therefore not receive a fine for having left a priority vehicle behind.
On the other hand, if you block the road to the latter, you risk a fine of 135 €, accompanied by a withdrawal of four points on your driving license. The decision should therefore be made fairly quickly…
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Priority to the right: what are the rules
Excessive slowness: can you be penalized?
Congestion at a crossroads: what is the penalty?
Possessing certain additional rights, priority vehicles must always have free passage. But can we break the highway code for them?
It is a relatively common scene that happens regularly, especially in large cities. You are stopped at a red light, and all of a sudden, a siren sounds behind you. As you know, it is a priority vehicle, recognizable thanks to its two-tone and its blue flashing light. And there is panic. What to do ? If you stay stopped, you risk blocking the vehicle, but if you move forward, it’s a sure shot, especially if there is a radar or cameras. However, the question does not actually arise. Indeed, as their name suggests, priority vehicles have absolute priority and everything must be done to help them, without however putting you in danger.
Do we risk a fine?
If a fire truck, police or EMS is behind you, then you must yield to them and clear the road. Even if you are stopped at a red light. You can then grill it without fear, while nevertheless checking that another car obviously does not arrive in the intersection, at the risk of causing an accident. In case of flash by a radar, the photo will be examined by an agent who will see the situation. You will therefore not receive a fine for having left a priority vehicle behind.
On the other hand, if you block the road to the latter, you risk a fine of 135 €, accompanied by a withdrawal of four points on your driving license. The decision should therefore be made fairly quickly…
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Priority to the right: what are the rules
Excessive slowness: can you be penalized?
Congestion at a crossroads: what is the penalty?