When you hear a siren or see the flashing lights of an ambulance, fire engine or police vehicle, a panicked reaction such as braking hard or mounting the pavement can cause a crash for you and the people around you. This guide is based on rule 219 of the UK Highway Code on GOV.UK and the Utah Motorcycle Operator Handbook 2024 (United States). When you ride in Vietnam, you still need to follow the local traffic rules in force.
Quick answer: what to do when an emergency vehicle approaches
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- Look and listen for flashing lights, sirens or flashing headlights.
- Stay calm: do not panic and do not change direction suddenly.
- Work out the vehicle’s route, then make room for it while still obeying traffic signs and signals.
- Pull over and stop if necessary, but avoid stopping just before the brow of a hill, a bend or a narrow section.
- Do not mount the kerb or brake harshly as you approach a junction or roundabout.
Common situations and what to do
The table sums up each situation according to the two sources above:
| Situation | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| An emergency vehicle comes up behind you on a straight road | Slow down, move to the edge of the road and stop if needed until it has passed | Highway Code 219; Utah handbook |
| You are approaching a junction | Do not brake harshly, because the vehicle behind may not have the same view as you | Highway Code 219 |
| You are on a bend, a hill crest or a narrow section | Avoid stopping there; continue to a wider place, then pull over | Highway Code 219 |
| You are waiting at a red light or in a jam | Make room if you can do so safely, but keep obeying the signals | Highway Code 219 |
| You do not yet know where it is | Check the mirrors and look around before changing direction | Highway Code 219 |
Stay calm, look and listen
Rule 219 asks you to look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police or other emergency vehicles using flashing lights, sirens or flashing headlights. When one approaches, do not panic. Consider the route of the vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass.
- Check your mirrors to see where it is coming from; see how to change lanes on a motorcycle.
- Scan ahead for a place where you can pull in; see the SEE strategy.
- Do not change direction suddenly until you know which way the vehicle is going.
Pull over and stop when needed
Under rule 219, if necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or a narrow section of road. The Utah handbook sets out the rule in that state: when an emergency vehicle approaches using sirens or flashing lights, you must yield, immediately move to the right-hand edge of the road and stop, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
- Signal before you pull in so drivers behind know what you are doing.
- Choose a firm edge; see how to pull over safely on a motorbike.
- Wait until it has fully passed before you rejoin the traffic.
Do not put others at risk
Rule 219 reminds you not to endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians while making way, and to avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly as you approach a junction or roundabout, because a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.
- Slow down progressively with both brakes; see motorcycle braking technique.
- Stay off the pavement, where there may be pedestrians.
- Flash your brake light so drivers behind know you are slowing.
At red lights and in traffic jams
Rule 219 stresses that you should let the vehicle pass while complying with all traffic signs. If you are stopped at a red light or in a jam, make room if you can do so safely, but do not run the red light and do not ride onto the pavement.
- Ease slightly to one side if there is space and it is safe.
- Once it has passed, check your mirrors and do a head check before moving back into the lane.
- Keep a gap to the vehicle ahead; see motorcycle following distance.
Hearing sirens under a helmet
The Utah handbook explains that hearing protection reduces noise while still letting you hear important sounds such as car horns or sirens. Long-term exposure to engine and wind noise can cause permanent hearing damage, even if you wear a full-face helmet.
- Choose earplugs that reduce noise but still let you hear important sounds, rather than blocking all sound.
- Check your mirrors often, as you may see flashing lights before you hear the siren.
- Watch the traffic ahead: when vehicles start pulling over together, an emergency vehicle may be coming.
If you rent from Mr Tú – Old Quarter Motorbike Rental, get used to the mirrors, indicators and brakes as soon as you collect the bike so you can react calmly when an emergency vehicle appears in town.
FAQ: emergency vehicles
Should I speed up to get out of an ambulance’s way?
Rule 219 says to stay calm, consider the vehicle’s route and make room for it; if necessary, pull to the side and stop, while still complying with traffic signs and signals.
Should I ride onto the pavement to make way?
No. Rule 219 says to avoid mounting the kerb and not to endanger pedestrians.
What if I am waiting at a red light?
Make room if you can do so safely, but keep obeying the traffic lights and signs, as rule 219 sets out.
Where should I stop when I pull over?
Choose a firm edge and avoid stopping just before the brow of a hill, a bend or a narrow section, where drivers behind may not see you.
Sources: GOV.UK – The Highway Code, rule 219 (Emergency and Incident Support vehicles); Utah Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division – Motorcycle Operator Handbook 2024 (emergency vehicle rule; Hearing protection). Checked on 13/11/2026.
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