24-05-2025
Should I go through a red light if an ambulance is behind me?
ONE of the most difficult positions drivers can find themselves in is being stuck at red lights and seeing blue lights approaching in their rear-view mirror.
Emergency services such as fire engines and ambulances are permitted to drive through red lights when on their way to an emergency which often means drivers will attempt to move out of the way to let the vehicle pass.
However, if drivers cross the white line by the traffic lights, they are committing a traffic offence and could cause another accident by doing so.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance has shared advice on what to do.
They said: "If you are at the lights and can see an emergency vehicle behind you, stay where you are until the light turns green or the emergency vehicle has passed.
"Our teams are trained to safely navigate through traffic, sometimes using oncoming lanes or filter lanes.
"But when it is not safe, we will maintain a safe distance, turn off sirens but keep lights on, and wait until it is safe to move."
Crossing the white line when a light is red can result in points and a fine, but could also pose a danger to pedestrians and other cars not expecting a vehicle to cross the line.
