Flashing Lights, Big Fines: Don’t Ignore Emergency Vehicles

According to national data, roadside emergency responders are killed every year because drivers either ignore or don’t understand their obligation to move over or yield.

Respectng emergency vehicles is about more than following the law – it’s about protecting lives. Whether you’re driving on I-44 or a quiet Tulsa backroad, the rules are the same: when you see lights and hear sirens, yield immediately and safely. In Oklahoma, that’s not just courteous, it’s the law.

This blog will discuss what the “Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle” law is, why it is important, and what the consequences of not following this law can be.

What is the “Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle” Law?

The “Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle” law (also known as the “Move Over Law”), mandates that drivers must immediately pull over to the right and stop when they see an approaching emergency vehicle with flashing lights and/or sirens. If pulling over isn’t possible, drivers must at least slow down and move to the farthest lane possible.

Oklahoma’s “Move Over Law” has been around in various forms for years, but enforcements and penalties have become more stringent in recent legislative updates. This is due to multiple tragic accidents involving emergency responders being hit by inatentive or uncooperative drivers, as well as emergency vehicles being delayed due to drivers failing to move over.

Most notably, in 2021, updates to Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes (specifically §11-902 and §11-314) clarified the responsibilities of drivers when encountering emergency vehicles. These changes strengthened penalties and expanded the definition of emergency vehicles to include not only ambulances and fire trucks, but also tow trucks and utility vehicles with flashing lights in certain situations.

What Are the Consequences of Failing to Yield?

In Oklahoma, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle can result in serious penalties, including:

• Fines: Violators of this law will typically face a hefty fine, which can vary by jurisdiction. They often start around $250 and can be much higher depending on the situation or number of offenses.
• Points on Your Driving Record: Receiving a “Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle” conviction can result in points being added to your driving record, which can increase insurance premiums and even lead to license suspension, if severe enough.
• Court Appearances: Some cases require a mandatory court appearance, which can push the financial situation on even higher, especially if the violation resulted in injury or property damage.

If an emergency responder is injured or killed, and you are at fault for failing to yield, criminal charges and jail time may even be a possibility.

Conclusion

This law isn’t just a suggestion – it’s a vital part of road safety. Here’s why:

• Time Saves Lives: When you delay an ambulance or fire truck, you could be putting someone’s life at risk. Seconds can be the difference between life and death in an emergency.
• Safety for Emergency Responders: Emergency personnel work in dangerous roadside conditions. Police officers may have someone pulled over, or tow truck operators may be handling someone’s vehicle on the side of the road. Failing to yield puts their lives at risk, especially when they’re attending to accidents or directing traffic.
• Preventing Chain-Reaction Collisions: Erratic driving or failing to yield properly can cause confusion on the road, leading to multi-car accidents.

Stay aware, and stay safe. And when in doubt – move over and yield.