Seeing flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror can be stressful, especially if you’re stuck at a red light. You naturally want to move out of the way to help emergency services like ambulances or fire engines get through. But in the UK, moving across the white line at a red traffic light—even to let an emergency vehicle pass—can get you in trouble.
Here’s what drivers need to know about staying safe and avoiding fines when helping emergency services.
Emergency Vehicles Can Go Through Red Lights
When ambulances, fire engines or police vehicles are responding to emergencies, they’re legally allowed to go through red traffic lights if it’s safe to do so. That’s why they use flashing lights and sirens—to alert everyone on the road.
But as a regular driver, you are not allowed to cross a red light, even to let them pass. Doing so can be dangerous and lead to a traffic offence.
What Should You Do at a Red Light?
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service shared clear advice. If you’re stopped at a red light and see an emergency vehicle behind you:
Do not move forward past the white stop line.
Wait until the traffic light turns green, or until the emergency vehicle has found a safe way to go around you.
Ambulance crews are specially trained to deal with these situations. They can use filter lanes, oncoming lanes, or wait behind your car if needed. If it’s not safe to pass, they may even switch off the sirens but leave the lights flashing until they can move again.
Why You Shouldn’t Cross the Line
Crossing the white stop line at a red light is not just against the law—it’s dangerous too. You could:
- Hit a pedestrian crossing the road
- Crash into another vehicle whose driver isn’t expecting anyone to move
- Confuse other road users, making the situation even riskier
Also, UK traffic cameras might record you jumping the red light. This can lead to a fine and penalty points on your driving licence.
Will You Get a Fine?
Yes, if you cross the stop line while the traffic light is red, you are likely to get a fine, even if your intention was to help an ambulance or fire engine. The standard fine is usually £100 and 3 penalty points on your licence. In serious cases, it could be more.
So even though your heart is in the right place, crossing the red light can end up hurting you—and others.
When Is It Okay to Move?
You can help make space before the traffic light. If you hear or see an emergency vehicle approaching and you’re still moving or have room, try to:
- Pull to the side of the road when it’s safe
- Let them pass before reaching the red light
But once you’re already at the red light, it’s safest—and legal—to wait.
It’s natural to want to help when you hear sirens or see flashing lights. But in the UK, moving through a red light, even to help emergency services, can lead to fines and accidents. The best thing you can do is stay calm, stay safe, and follow the rules. Emergency crews are trained to handle traffic and will find the safest way to pass you.
FAQs
Can I move through a red light to let an ambulance pass?
No. In the UK, drivers are not allowed to cross the white line at a red light, even to let an emergency vehicle through. It’s both illegal and dangerous.
Will I get fined for crossing a red light for an emergency vehicle?
Yes. If you cross a red light, you could be fined £100 and receive 3 points on your licence, even if it’s to let an emergency vehicle pass.
What should I do if an ambulance is behind me at a red light?
Stay where you are. Wait for the light to turn green. Emergency services are trained to handle these situations safely.
When is it safe to move for an emergency vehicle?
If you are still moving or not yet at the red light, pull over to the side safely before stopping. Don’t block the road.
Can emergency vehicles go through red lights?
Yes. Emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire engines are allowed to go through red lights if it is safe, but regular drivers are not.
