Priority Rules for Emergency Vehicles
If an ambulance approaches during road training,
what should you do?
We explain how to handle urgent emergency vehicles and the rules for "Bus Exclusive Lanes," which frequently appear on exams.
What is an Emergency Vehicle?
Not every police car or ambulance is an emergency vehicle. It refers to vehicles that meet the following conditions:
- Siren is sounding (Woo-woo, Pee-po)
- Red warning light (Patrol light) is flashing
- Driving for emergency purposes
*Patrol cars on patrol or ambulances returning from a hospital (without siren) are treated as regular vehicles.
How to Yield to Emergency Vehicles
When an emergency vehicle approaches, your response depends on whether you are "near an intersection" or "not." This is crucial!
Avoid the intersection, pull over to the LEFT side of the road, and STOP temporarily.
*This is because stopping inside the intersection prevents the emergency vehicle from turning.
[One-Way Streets] If pulling left blocks traffic, you may pull to the RIGHT and stop.
Pull over to the LEFT side of the road and yield the way.
*You do not necessarily have to stop here. It is OK as long as you pull over and yield.
Priority for Route Buses
Public buses should also be prioritized. Follow these rules.
🚌 Prohibition of Obstructing DepartureWhen a bus stopped at a bus stop signals to depart (right blinker), vehicles behind must yield. Forced overtaking is prohibited.
🛣️ Bus Exclusive Lanes (Exam Favorite!)
In principle, regular cars cannot drive in "Bus Exclusive" lanes.
However, you can drive in them in the following exceptions:
- When approaching a left turn (to pull over in advance).
- To avoid construction or emergency vehicles.
- Mopeds, Small Special Vehicles, Light Vehicles (Bicycles)
*Mopeds and light vehicles are allowed to pass even in exclusive lanes because they are slow! This is a trick point.
Stay calm in emergencies,
and have a heart of yielding!
Training for Success!