It is generally legal to drive through a red light to make way for a police vehicle or other emergency vehicles (such as ambulances or fire trucks), but this is only allowed when it is safe to do so. The law typically requires drivers to move out of the path of emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights or sirens as soon as it can be done safely. This means a driver may proceed through a red traffic light if it is the only way to clear the way, but caution must be exercised to avoid endangering oneself or others. In many jurisdictions, the exception for emergency vehicles takes precedence over the normal rule of stopping at a red light. However, if a driver runs a red light in this context, it might be considered a legal defense if charged, provided the act was necessary for making way and was done safely, but this may ultimately depend on specific local laws and court interpretations. Failure to make way for an emergency vehicle is typically a serious offense with fines and demerit points, so the law strongly encourages cooperation with emergency vehicles. In summary, it is legal to drive through a red light to make way for police vehicles only if:
- The emergency vehicle has flashing lights or sirens active.
- It is done safely without endangering others.
- There is no safer alternative to move out of the way.
This legal condition is not uniform everywhere, so checking local traffic laws is important, but the overriding principle is safety and allowing emergency vehicles urgent passage.
