Move-Over! and related laws
Do I need to pull over for a fire engine or ambulance?
Wisconsin Statute 346.19 What to do on approach of emergency vehicle
(1) Upon the approach of any authorized emergency vehicle giving audible signal by siren the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right−of−way and shall immediately drive such vehicle to a position as near as possible and parallel to the right curb or the right−hand edge of the shoulder of the roadway, clear of any intersection and, unless otherwise directed by a traffic officer, shall stop and remain standing in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.
What about volunteer firefighters going to the station
Wisconsin Statute 340.01 Words and phrases defined
(3) Authorized emergency vehicle means any of the following:
(d) Privately owned motor vehicles being used by deputy state fire marshals or by personnel of a full-time or part-time fire department or by members of a volunteer fire department while en route to a fire or on an emergency call pursuant to orders of their chief or other commanding officer.
What is the Move-Over! Law?
Wisconsin Statute 346.072: Passing stopped emergency vehicles
(1) If an authorized emergency vehicle giving visual signal is parked or standing on or within 12 feet of a roadway, the operator of a motor vehicle approaching such vehicle or machinery shall proceed with due regard for all other traffic and shall do either of the following:
- Move the motor vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest and continue traveling in that lane until safely clear of the vehicle. This only if the roadway has at least two lanes for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching motor vehicle and if the approaching motor vehicle may change lanes safely.
- Slow the motor vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and operate the motor vehicle at a reduced speed until completely past the vehicle or machinery. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has only one lane for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching motor vehicle or if the approaching motor vehicle may not change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
Why do fire trucks put their lights on to back in to the station?
346.455 Vehicles to stop at fire station.
- The operator of a motor vehicle approaching an authorized emergency vehicle shall stop not less than 30 feet from that vehicle and shall remain stopped, if all of the following apply:
- The authorized emergency vehicle is about to be or is being driven backwards into a driveway entrance to a fire station.
- The authorized emergency vehicle is giving visual signal by means of at least one flashing, oscillating or rotating red light or by a member of the fire department or fire patrol standing on the roadway in a position that is visible to approaching traffic and directing traffic to stop.
- The operator of a motor vehicle required to stop under sub. (1) shall remain stopped until a member of the fire department or fire patrol directs the operator to proceed or until the visual signal under sub. (1) (b) is terminated and all members of the fire department or fire patrol have left the roadway.