Passing emergency and service vehicles

How to pass safely when emergency and service vehicles are pulled over.

Overview

Under the Motor Vehicle Act, when an emergency or service vehicle is stopped on the highway and has its flashing lights on, New Brunswick drivers must: 

  • slow down to one-half the posted speed limit and proceed with caution 
  • make sure it’s safe to proceed, then move over to the left, away from the vehicle 
  • if there are two or more lanes of traffic, the driver must move into another lane if it can be done safely 

This will ensure that drivers won’t collide with an authorized emergency or service vehicle or endanger anyone outside these vehicles. 

Authorized emergency vehicles

  • A vehicle operated by a police officer or designated peace officer 
  • A fire department or fire fighting vehicle 
  • An ambulance 

Service vehicles

  • A tow truck 
  • A private or public utility corporation vehicle 
  • A road safety or maintenance vehicle under contract with the province of New Brunswick 

Penalties

The fine for not slowing down and moving over for an emergency vehicle is $292.50 and three demerit points.