North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

True or False: The public only has the duty to yield the right of way if both the lights and sirens are being operated.

1. True

2. False

3. Sometimes

4. Depends on the location

The correct answer is: True

The correct answer is that the public only has the duty to yield the right of way if both the lights and sirens are being operated. In emergency response situations, vehicle operators are required to yield to emergency vehicles that are displaying both flashing lights and using audible sirens. This requirement ensures the safety of everyone on the road by allowing emergency vehicles to reach their destinations quickly and effectively. When emergency vehicles activate their lights and sirens, it serves as a clear indication that they are responding to an urgent situation, which prompts other drivers to take appropriate action, typically by pulling over or yielding in order to allow the emergency vehicle to pass. If an emergency vehicle is only using lights or sirens individually, the obligation for the public to yield may not be as stringent, and drivers must use their judgment based on the circumstances. This understanding is essential for both drivers who may encounter an emergency vehicle on the road and law enforcement personnel who need to educate the public on safe driving practices regarding emergency responses.