Where You Must Pull Over for Emergency Vehicles in the United States

All 50 U.S. states—and the District of Columbia—require drivers to yield, pull over, and stop for approaching emergency vehicles using audible sirens and/or flashing lights. In practice, that means slowing, moving to the nearest safe edge of the roadway (typically the right), stopping clear of intersections, and remaining stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Beyond approaching vehicles, every state also has a Move Over law requiring drivers to change lanes or slow down for stationary emergency responders on the roadside.

What the law requires nationwide

Across the United States, “yield to emergency vehicle” statutes obligate drivers to make way for police, fire, ambulances, and other authorized emergency responders when they are operating with audible and/or visual signals. The core rule is consistent: safely clear a path—usually by moving right and stopping—so the responder can pass. While wording varies slightly by state (some specify “nearest curb or edge of the roadway,” others emphasize “right-hand side”), the obligation exists everywhere.

States where you must pull over

Every U.S. state mandates that drivers pull over and stop for approaching emergency vehicles when those vehicles are using authorized lights and/or sirens. The following list enumerates all states that have this requirement.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

In addition to the 50 states, the District of Columbia has the same requirement. While territories such as Puerto Rico also have similar rules, the question here pertains to U.S. states, where the obligation is universal.

How to pull over safely and legally

Although the details can vary by roadway and state, the best-practice steps below align with common statutory language and safe driving guidance used nationwide.

• Stay calm, check mirrors, and scan ahead to locate the emergency vehicle and its direction of travel.
• Signal and move to the nearest safe edge of the roadway—typically the right—without abrupt maneuvers.
• Stop completely, clear of intersections and crosswalks, and keep wheels turned slightly right.
• Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has fully passed; re-enter traffic only when it is safe.
• If you cannot merge right safely, slow significantly and allow the vehicle to pass on your left, creating as much space as possible.

These steps help create a predictable, clear path for responders while minimizing secondary crashes or confusion among other drivers.

Special cases and common nuances

Some roadway layouts and situations call for adaptations that most state codes acknowledge explicitly or implicitly.

• Multi-lane and one-way roads: If you are in the left lane and the right is impractical, move to the nearest edge and stop. On one-way streets, pulling to the left curb is often lawful and safer.
• Divided highways: If the emergency vehicle approaches from the opposite direction on the other side of a physical median, most states do not require you to stop; continue cautiously unless directed otherwise.
• Intersections and roundabouts: Do not block an intersection. Proceed through if necessary, then pull over immediately after you clear it. In roundabouts, continue to the next exit and pull over there.
• Traffic congestion: If you cannot pull over, stop where you are, keep lanes clear, and avoid lane changes that could impede the emergency vehicle’s path.
• Following distance: After an emergency vehicle passes, do not follow it closely; many states explicitly prohibit tailing within a set distance (often 300–500 feet).

The overarching principle is predictability: make gradual, signalized moves and avoid sudden stops or lane changes that can surprise surrounding drivers.

Move Over laws for stopped emergency and roadside crews

Separate from yielding to moving responders, every state and the District of Columbia also enforce Move Over laws. When you approach a stationary vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder or in a lane—typically police, fire, EMS, DOT, tow trucks, and in many states utility or maintenance vehicles—you must change lanes away from the scene if safe, or slow to a safe, state-specified speed if a lane change is not possible.

• Covered vehicles commonly include police, fire, EMS, tow/recovery, DOT/maintenance, and often utility/service vehicles displaying amber or other authorized lights.
• Required action is usually a lane change away from the stopped vehicle; if not feasible, a significant speed reduction is mandated.
• Enhanced penalties typically apply when violations cause injury to responders or workers.

While coverage and exact speed thresholds vary, the intent is uniform: protect responders and workers by creating a safety buffer.

Penalties and enforcement

Violations can bring fines, points on your license, higher insurance rates, and—in cases involving injury or willful disregard—criminal charges. States often enhance penalties in school or work zones and for repeat offenses. Courts and law enforcement increasingly emphasize these laws due to responder injury risks on roadsides.

Quick answers to common questions

Drivers frequently ask about edge cases. Here are concise clarifications grounded in widely shared rules.

• Opposite side of a median? On fully divided highways with a physical barrier, you generally are not required to stop for an emergency vehicle traveling the other way.
• Siren but no lights, or lights but no siren? Most states require yielding when authorized audible and/or visual signals are in use; when in doubt, yield.
• What if I’m in an intersection? Clear it first, then pull over immediately after.

When uncertain, err on the side of safety: slow down, signal, and create space for responders to pass or work.

Summary

You must pull over and stop for approaching emergency vehicles in every U.S. state and in the District of Columbia when they are using authorized lights and/or sirens. Additionally, Move Over laws in all states require changing lanes or slowing down for stationary responders and many roadside crews. Execute predictable, safe maneuvers—signal, move to the nearest safe edge, stop clear of intersections, and wait until the emergency vehicle passes—to comply with the law and protect lives.