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What must you do when you pass a stopped emergency vehicle in New Jersey?

A white car approaching an ambulance with flashing lights stopped at the edge of a two-lane road

You are driving toward an ambulance stopped on the roadside with its emergency lights flashing. What does New Jersey law require?

Answer choices

The answer

Approach with caution. Move into a lane that is not next to the stopped vehicle if you can do it safely. If you cannot, slow to a reasonable speed below the posted limit and be prepared to stop.

The law covers stopped emergency vehicles showing flashing red or blue lights, tow trucks with a flashing amber light, state or local highway maintenance and emergency service vehicles with flashing yellow, amber or red lights, and sanitation vehicles with a flashing amber light.

The lane change is required only if it is possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions. When it is not possible, not allowed by law, or not safe, you reduce speed instead.

Exceptions

  • An instruction from a law enforcement officer overrides these duties.
  • The lane change is not required when it is impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe. Slowing down still is.

Penalty

The state's Highway Traffic Safety page says a violation is punished by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500.

Why this rule matters for safety

Crews working beside a lane have no barrier between them and passing traffic. Moving over, or at least slowing down, gives them room if a driver drifts.

Slowing below the posted limit shortens your stopping distance if someone steps into the road.

Official sources

  • Move Over Law text, N.J.S.A. 39:4-92.2 · New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (Office of the Attorney General)Duties when approaching stationary emergency, tow, maintenance and sanitation vehicles; penalty

Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the New Jersey agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.

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