Do sirens automatically grant the right of way to emergency vehicles?

• A. Yes, always.
• B. No, they do not automatically grant the right of way.
• C. They grant the right of way only at intersections
• D. They only grant the right of way when drivers see two sirens

Answer: (B)

A siren signals that an emergency vehicle is approaching, but the right of way is not automatic from the siren alone. When you hear a siren and see flashing lights, you must take action to yield: slow down, and move to the right edge of the roadway or stop if it’s safe to do so, giving the emergency vehicle space to pass. The vehicle with the lights and siren has the right of way, but your compliant action—pulling over and letting it through—is what enables that right of way to be exercised safely. If you can’t move to the side due to traffic, slow down and proceed with caution until you can safely yield, rather than assuming you can ignore the siren. Sirens don’t guarantee passage in all situations, and the need to yield applies regardless of intersections or other siren counts.