We all know the situation: you hear a siren, see blue lights in your mirror, and wonder... What should I do? Should I stop? Can I break a traffic rule to make room? And what are the actual priority rules?

At AEB – specialist in vehicle signalling – we often get questions about how road users should behave around emergency vehicles. So here's a clear overview of the rules.

What Is an Emergency Vehicle?

An emergency vehicle is one that uses blue flashing lights and a siren. Examples include:

• Police vehicles
• Fire trucks
• Ambulances
• Civil protection units
• Note: Without both the siren and blue lights, the vehicle is not legally considered a priority vehicle. Standard traffic rules apply. ​

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When Does an Emergency Vehicle Have Priority?

An emergency vehicle has right of way over all other road users if it meets the following conditions:

✅ It uses blue flashing lights

✅ It sounds a siren

✅ It is clearly on an urgent mission

In that case, other drivers must immediately give way – and if necessary, they may even break traffic rules (e.g. run a red light or stop on the sidewalk), as long as it’s done safely.

When Does It Not Have Priority?

There are situations where the vehicle does not have right of way:

❌ If it is not using both siren and blue lights – it is not considered a priority vehicle

❌ If it is not on an urgent mission

❌ If it is simply part of regular traffic (e.g. returning to station)

In these cases, it must follow normal traffic rules like any other road user.

What Should You Do as a Driver?

If you notice an emergency vehicle with blue lights and siren:

• Stay calm and try to locate the vehicle ​
• Give way by moving aside or driving slowly
• Don’t break rules in a dangerous way – safety first
• Do not run red lights unless directed by police or if the situation allows it safely

Sometimes it's safer to stop and wait than to act impulsively.

Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

Whether you're a driver, cyclist, pedestrian or signage coordinator – everyone plays a role in letting emergency vehicles pass safely.

👉 Want to know more about signalling solutions that improve road safety?

Visit www.aeb.be or contact us – we’ll be happy to advise you.