Big fines for not yielding to emergency vehicles with their lights and sirens activated

    Monday, 24 March 2025 07:00

    By Tonya Organ

    Cpl Jolene Garland says immediately pull over and stop to the right-hand side of the curb or edge of the roadway, clear of an intersection, stop and remain in that position until the emergency vehicle has passed.

    RCMP NL is reminding motorists of the legal requirements of a driver when approaching an emergency vehicle that has its lights and sirens activated.

    In these situations, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle.  Cpl Jolene Garland says immediately pull over and stop to the right-hand side of the curb or edge of the roadway, clear of an intersection, stop and remain in that position until the emergency vehicle has passed.

    Garland says this applies to other first responders as well, emergency vehicles include both marked and unmarked police vehicles, fire engines/trucks and ambulances.

    Garland says those who fail to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle can be charged under the Highway Traffic Act. The fine for a first-time offence range between $390.00 - $1170.00 and an accumulation of two demerit points.

    Under no circumstances is a driver permitted to overtake an emergency vehicle travelling on the roadway with its lights and sirens activated.  

     

    To report an error, submit a news tip, or provide feedback, please e-mail news@bayfm.ca or call (709) 637-0183.

    More from Local News

     

     

     

    BayFM recognizes support from the following agencies:

                        

    Today's Weather

    • Corner Brook

      Heavy snow

      High: -2°C | Low: -12°C

    • Deer Lake

      Heavy snow

      High: -1°C | Low: -11°C

    • Stephenville

      Light snow

      High: -1°C | Low: -12°C

    Recently Played

    Podcasts

    • BayFM On-Demand

      Trash Talk Thursday, February 5, 2026

      Topics of conversation on this week's show include gift cards, ceramics, batteries, and more!

    • Center Stage with Stella

      "Center Stage with Stella", Feb 4 , 2026 (First show)

      Geri and Phil from The Once join Stella for her first show

    • The Plain Truth

      The Plain Truth, Wednesday February 4, 2026

      February is Violence Prevention Month