Oklahoma law requires all drivers to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle using sirens and flashing lights. Motorists must pull as far right as possible and come to a stop to let the vehicle safely pass.
If you come upon a stationary emergency vehicle on the side of the road, you are required to “move over” and get in a lane that’s not adjacent to the emergency vehicle or emergency personnel.
Knowing the correct actions to take when you spot an emergency vehicle can protect you from a collision. This care can also help the emergency responder get to an accident or incident scene faster to help victims.
What Should I Do When an Oklahoma Emergency Vehicle Is Approaching?
Motorists on Oklahoma City and Tulsa streets and highways must be on the lookout for emergency vehicles with sirens on and flashing lights. Drivers must yield to them as they approach.
Oklahoma traffic laws go into further detail on where drivers should go as an emergency vehicle approaches:
“A. Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of Section 12-218 of this act, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal or red flashing lights, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.”
An emergency vehicle will mean first responders such as firefighters and ambulance crews, a law enforcement vehicle, a National Guard vehicle, licensed tow trucks, and some other vehicles with sirens and flashing lights.
What Should I Do If I Come Upon an Emergency Vehicle on the Side of the Road?
Drivers must also follow the law that instructs what to do if they see a parked emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road. Drivers must try to give the emergency vehicle a lane of cushion, by getting over if they are in the lane nearest the vehicle or vehicles.
According to House Bill 1113 and Senate Bill 89, beyond police, fire, and ambulance vehicles, these vehicles should also prompt drivers to move over a lane:
- An Oklahoma DOT vehicle with flashing lights
- A Turnpike Authority Maintenance Vehicle with flashing lights
- A car pulled over with hazard lights on
- A licensed Class AA wrecker
HB113 goes into how to react according to what type of road the driver is on when passing an emergency vehicle.
On a road with more than two lanes going in the same direction:
“…the driver shall proceed with due caution and shall, if possible and with due regard to the road, weather, and traffic conditions, change lanes into a lane that is not adjacent to the stationary authorized emergency vehicle or licensed Class AA wrecker; or if the driver is not able to change lanes or if to do so would be unsafe, the driver shall proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a safe speed for the existing road, weather, and traffic conditions; and…”
On a road with just one lane going in each direction:
“…the driver shall proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a safe speed for the existing road, weather, and traffic conditions.”
In other words, if it isn’t safe to change lanes or if there are no extra lanes, drivers must still slow down until they’ve passed the scene.
Punishment for Failing to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle
In 2023, fines were laid out for motorists who don’t yield and change lanes for emergency vehicles or don’t slow down. Drivers cited would be charged $1,000 on the first offense and $2,500 for any repeated offenses.
The Oklahoman also reports that an offense that leads to the injury of an emergency worker could lead to a fine of $5,000 or less. An offense that causes the tragic death of an emergency worker would leave offenders facing up to $10,000 in fines.
