Free independent learning reference with original examples. These are not official exam questions or individualized legal advice. Follow current signs, provincial rules and on-site directions.
Practise sharing the road — free →Passing a stopped emergency or assistance vehicle
SGI requires drivers to slow to 60 km/h when passing an emergency vehicle stopped on a highway with its emergency lights operating. Its roadside-assistance guidance also covers a vehicle used exclusively for towing or assistance, stopped to help a disabled vehicle with amber or amber-and-blue lights flashing.
Treat 60 as an upper limit for this situation, not a speed you must reach. A lower posted limit or a hazard can require a slower approach. Recognize the lights early and reduce speed before passing; seeing a truck alone does not establish that every condition of the assistance rule is present.
Source: SGI handbook — Sharing the road ↗Does the rule apply on the other side of the road?
The handbook distinguishes a divided highway from an undivided one. The stopped-emergency and assistance provisions apply to drivers meeting the vehicle from the opposite direction on an undivided highway. They do not apply to opposite-direction traffic on a divided highway.
Do not identify a divided highway simply by counting lanes. In a study scenario, look for an actual separation into carriageways, rather than assume a painted centre line creates the exception. If the scenario does not establish a divider, do not invent one to avoid slowing down.
Source: SGI handbook — Sharing the road ↗Make room for an approaching emergency vehicle
An emergency vehicle approaching with flashing lights or a siren is a yielding situation. SGI directs drivers toward the right edge and says not to enter the next intersection until it has passed. On a one-way street, use the nearer right or left curb; follow different directions from a peace officer.
A driver waiting at an intersection must let the emergency vehicle through. Do not turn “slow to 60” into the answer to every ambulance question. Speed reduction beside a stopped vehicle and clearing the path of a moving one solve different hazards.
Source: SGI handbook — Sharing the road ↗Identify the condition that changes the answer
Original study cases
Opposite direction, no median: a police vehicle is stopped with emergency lights on across an undivided road. The opposite-direction exception does not apply. Approach under the 60 km/h rule and any lower applicable limit.
Divided highway: a tow truck is assisting a disabled car on the opposite carriageway. The handbook’s stated exception applies to this direction, but it does not cancel signs, traffic conditions or ordinary care.
Siren behind you: an ambulance is moving through traffic. Create a safe path using the handbook’s yielding directions. Merely maintaining 60 km/h in its path does not deal with the situation.