ME Emergency and Move Over
An ambulance approaches from behind with lights and siren active while you drive on a two lane road in Maine. What is the correct action?
- Speed up to clear the intersection ahead
- Pull to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed ✓
- Move to the left lane to give the ambulance the right shoulder
- Continue at the same speed and let the ambulance go around you
The answer explained
Maine requires drivers to yield the right of way to authorized emergency vehicles using audible and visual signals. Pull to the right edge of the road and stop, even at a green signal. Stay stopped until every responding vehicle has passed and the road is clear. On divided highways, the same rule applies on the side facing the emergency vehicle.
Why this rule exists
Predictable behavior lets emergency drivers anticipate where the gap will appear. If half the cars pull right and half stay put, the responder must weave, which costs time and risks a crash.
The most common mistake
Drivers stop in their current lane rather than pulling to the right shoulder. This blocks the ambulance from using the most predictable path. The shoulder is part of the maneuver, not optional.
Maine specific note
Maine has zero tolerance for alcohol in any driver under 21 and includes wildlife collision avoidance on its exam. For this question in particular, the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles aligns with the standard interpretation explained above. Always verify against the most recent Maine driver handbook before relying on these details for the live exam.
Study tip
Right and stop is the answer in nearly every emergency vehicle question, with the exception of move over laws when you are passing a stopped emergency vehicle.
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