Drivers could be fined £2,500 for moving out of the way for an ambulance

Neil Shaw & Robert Rowlands
·3-min read
An ambulance responding to a call
An ambulance responding to a call -Credit:File


Motorists have been cautioned that they could be slapped with a hefty £2,500 fine and even lose their driving licence for moving out of the way of an ambulance. According to motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk, drivers in the UK could find themselves on the wrong side of the law if they fail to adhere to traffic regulations while allowing an emergency vehicle to pass.

Even with good intentions, drivers could face charges of careless driving if they disregard road rules in an attempt to clear the path for an emergency vehicle. As per Rule 219 of the Highway Code, it is incumbent upon motorists to take suitable action to let an emergency vehicle pass, but this must be done while still obeying all traffic signs.

The consequences of incorrectly yielding to a blue light vehicle can be severe, with potential penalties including a £2,500 fine, a driving ban, and penalty points on your licence. In instances where a driver's actions could have put themselves or others in danger, they may also face prosecution and a charge of dangerous driving.

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Disregarding traffic lights or road signs is considered dangerous driving and could result in harsher punishments, including an unlimited fine and loss of driving privileges. Similarly, entering a yellow box junction or a bus lane to make way for an emergency vehicle could see drivers hit with a £1000 fine.

Motorists could be slapped with a hefty fine for making an illegal turn, driving the wrong way down a one-way street or mounting the pavement to let an emergency vehicle pass. The Highway Code instructs drivers not to panic when they hear sirens and to comply with all traffic signs, ensuring their actions don't put themselves, other road users or pedestrians at risk.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk warns: "Many motorists in the UK will be shocked to find out they risk eye-watering fines for letting an emergency vehicle pass. With the best intentions, it is most people's instinct to move out of the way when they hear sirens so ambulance drivers, firefighters and police officers can get to an emergency quickly."

He advises: "We are not saying for one minute not to move for emergency vehicles but please ensure it's done safely and within the law." Alcock cautions that breaking traffic laws while moving aside for emergency services could result in a careless or dangerous driving charge, along with substantial fines and penalty points.

He explains: "If drivers break traffic laws while moving out of the way, they could be handed a careless or dangerous driving charge and slapped with huge fines and penalty points. For example, moving through a red light for an emergency vehicle is a traffic light offence and could land drivers with a discretionary disqualification or hefty fine because it could lead to a crash."

He concludes: "This may sound ridiculous and unfair, but anyone found to be endangering themselves or other road users will be punished for breaking the law if caught out. Getting stuck with a blue light vehicle behind you is stressful, but it is important to keep a cool head and always follow the rules of the road to avoid being stung with avoidable fines."

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