Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle? Understanding how drivers should respond when emergency vehicles approach traffic signals.
Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle? The answer depends on the Australian state or territory, whether the police vehicle is displaying authorised emergency lights or sounding a siren, whether your vehicle is genuinely blocking its path, and whether you can move without endangering other road users.
Australian motorists must keep clear of responding police and emergency vehicles. However, this obligation does not give every driver an unrestricted right to ignore a red traffic signal. Some jurisdictions expressly permit a limited movement against a red light when it is necessary and safe, while Western Australian guidance tells drivers not to cross a red light when making way.
Queensland, Victoria and South Australia provide relatively clear public guidance allowing drivers to depart from an ordinary road rule in particular circumstances. New South Wales, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory have Rule 78-style provisions requiring a driver who is already in an emergency vehicle’s path to move out as soon as it can be done safely, despite other road rules.
That does not mean a driver should automatically accelerate through the entire intersection. The movement must be necessary, controlled and limited to what is reasonably required to clear the police vehicle’s path.
This 2026 guide explains the rules in every Australian state and territory, how Rules 78 and 79 work, what to do when a police car approaches from behind, whether a red-light camera may issue a fine, and how to avoid creating another emergency while attempting to help.
Yes, in some Australian states and territories a driver may make a limited movement through or beyond a red traffic signal when it is necessary to clear the path of a police or emergency vehicle and it can be done safely. Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia provide the clearest guidance allowing such movements in specific circumstances. New South Wales, Tasmania, ACT, and Northern Territory rely on Rule 78 provisions, while Western Australia advises drivers not to drive through a red light.
Drivers should only move when absolutely necessary, only when it is safe, and only as far as required to create a clear path.
| State/Territory | Can You Move Through a Red Light? |
|---|---|
| Queensland | Yes, if necessary and safe |
| Victoria | Yes, if it is the only safe option |
| New South Wales | Limited movement may be supported under Rule 78 |
| South Australia | Yes, when safely moving out of the way |
| Tasmania | Limited movement may be supported under Rule 78 |
| ACT | Limited movement may be supported under Rule 78 |
| Northern Territory | Limited movement may be supported under Rule 78 |
| Western Australia | No, official guidance advises against it |
For readers asking, “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” several Australian jurisdictions allow a limited movement against a red traffic signal when it is genuinely necessary to clear the path of a police or emergency vehicle and the movement can be completed safely.
However, there is no universal permission to run a red light.
The position can be summarised as follows:
Even where a limited movement may be permitted, a driver should:
The correct question is not simply, “Can I run the red light?” It is whether a small, proportionate and controlled movement is necessary and safe under the rules applying in that jurisdiction.
The question “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” cannot be answered with one nationwide rule because Australia does not have one identical emergency-vehicle rule operating nationally.
Drivers searching for “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” should compare the rule applying in the state or territory where they are currently driving.
| State or territory | Legal or official position | Safest practical response |
| Queensland | Official guidance permits a driver to go through a red light or onto the wrong side of the road to get out of an emergency vehicle’s way when safe | Check the entire intersection and move only as far as required |
| Victoria | A driver may enter an intersection against a red light when it is safe, and entering is the only way to make room | Enter cautiously and stop once a sufficient route has been created |
| New South Wales | Rule 78 requires a driver in the emergency vehicle’s path to move out as soon as safely possible, despite other road rules | Use only the minimum necessary movement and do not assume permission to cross the entire junction |
| Western Australia | Official guidance expressly says there is no excuse for going through a red light | Remain behind the line, move left within available space, and let the emergency driver select a route |
| South Australia | Official guidance permits disobeying another road rule to move out of the way, but only when safe | Move only when necessary and after checking the intersection thoroughly |
| Tasmania | Rule 78 requires a driver in the path to move out as soon as safely possible, despite other road rules | Make the smallest safe movement and remain stationary when no safe option exists |
| Australian Capital Territory | Rule 78 applies, but ACT Policing says stationary drivers with nowhere safe to go should stay where they are | Move only when a safe route is available or an officer directs you |
| Northern Territory | Rule 78 applies despite other road rules, while public guidance tells motorists to give way or pull left | Move carefully and avoid blocking the intersection or creating another hazard |
This table is a general summary. Whether a particular movement is lawful may depend on the legislation, intersection layout, available alternatives, and evidence surrounding the incident.
To understand “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” drivers must recognise that the Australian Road Rules provide a model framework for road safety, but they are not one national law automatically operating in every state and territory.
Each jurisdiction adopts and modifies its own road rules. Although many provisions use similar wording, transport agencies and police may publish different practical instructions about responding to emergency vehicles at traffic lights.
Two legal obligations can arise at the same time:
The legal difficulty occurs when complying with one obligation appears to conflict with the other.
Some jurisdictions have resolved the practical question through clear public guidance. Queensland and Victoria specifically discuss entering against a red light. South Australia says another road rule may be disobeyed when safely clearing the emergency vehicle.
Other jurisdictions rely more heavily on Rule 78. Western Australia takes a more restrictive public position and tells motorists not to go through a red light.
Drivers should therefore follow the rules where they are currently driving rather than relying on advice remembered from another state.
The difference between Rule 78 and Rule 79 is important when answering “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?”
Rule 78 generally requires a driver not to move into the path of an approaching police or emergency vehicle displaying authorised flashing lights or sounding an alarm.
When a driver is already in that vehicle’s path, the driver must move out of the path as soon as it can be done safely.
In several jurisdictions, Rule 78 states that it applies despite other road rules. This can give the duty to move out of the emergency vehicle’s path precedence when it conflicts with an ordinary traffic rule.
However, the driver must still move safely. The provision does not permit reckless, excessive, or unnecessary driving.
Rule 79 generally requires motorists to give way to a responding police or emergency vehicle.
For this purpose, giving way commonly means:
This is why remaining stationary may sometimes be the correct response. If staying still leaves an open route for the emergency vehicle, there may be no reason to enter the intersection.
Rule 78 applies most directly when your vehicle is physically in the emergency vehicle’s intended path.
Rule 79 deals more broadly with allowing the emergency vehicle to proceed without conflict.
A motorist who can provide a clear route by remaining stationary or moving left behind the stop line may not need to enter the intersection. A motorist directly blocking the only available route may need to make a limited movement in a jurisdiction where that action is permitted.
The phrase does not provide a blanket exemption from every traffic law.
It means that when an ordinary road rule conflicts with the specific duty to move out of an emergency vehicle’s path, the driver may be required or permitted to perform the minimum movement necessary to comply with Rule 78.
The movement should be:
A driver who accelerates across a busy intersection, continues after the police vehicle has passed, or ignores a pedestrian crossing may not be protected merely because an emergency vehicle was nearby.
The obligation generally arises when a police vehicle is:
Authorised warning-light colours and legal definitions can vary.
A police vehicle travelling normally without emergency warning equipment does not automatically receive the same emergency priority. However, motorists must still follow a lawful traffic direction given by a police officer.
Flashing lights or a siren warn road users that the vehicle requires priority and a clear route.
They do not necessarily direct one particular driver to cross a red light. First, determine whether the police vehicle needs your lane or intends to use another route.
A police driver may briefly use the siren or horn to make sure you have noticed the vehicle.
Check your mirrors, indicate where appropriate, and identify a safe space. Do not assume that the sound alone requires you to accelerate into cross traffic.
A clear hand signal, verbal instruction, or traffic direction is different from a general siren.
Drivers are generally required to obey lawful police directions. Confirm that the instruction is intended for you, proceed slowly and continue checking for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
For Queensland drivers asking, “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” the state provides one of Australia’s clearest official answers.
Queensland Government guidance says the law allows a motorist to drive onto the wrong side of the road or through a red traffic light to get out of an emergency vehicle’s way when it is safe.
This permission is not unlimited.
A Queensland driver should consider crossing the stop line only when:
You are first in a queue at a red light. A police vehicle approaches directly behind you with flashing lights and a siren. Vehicles in the adjoining lanes prevent it from passing.
You check that the pedestrian crossing is clear and that no cross traffic is approaching. You then move slowly beyond the stop line and slightly towards the side, stopping as soon as the police vehicle has enough room.
That limited movement may be permitted. It does not authorise you to accelerate through the entire intersection as though the light were green.
Stay where you are.
Queensland guidance also recognises that a driver who cannot safely move left should remain in position and allow the emergency vehicle to overtake when possible.
The obligation is to move when it can be done safely—not regardless of the consequences.
For Victorian motorists asking, “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” official guidance expressly permits a limited movement against a red signal in defined circumstances.
Transport Victoria states that a motorist can enter an intersection on a red light when:
Both conditions must be satisfied.
If moving slightly left within the lane provides enough room, entering the intersection is not the only available option.
Travel only as far as necessary to create a clear route.
A driver may need to move slightly beyond the stop line and towards the side. Once sufficient room has been created, stop and wait until it is safe and lawful to continue.
You must still give way to a responding emergency vehicle.
A green light does not authorise you to enter the police vehicle’s path or continue when doing so would cause a conflict.
When NSW motorists ask, “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” Rule 78 is central: it requires a motorist in the path of an approaching police or emergency vehicle to move out as soon as the driver can do so safely.
The provision expressly applies despite other NSW road rules.
This wording may support a limited movement against a red signal when the movement is genuinely required to leave the police vehicle’s path. However, it should not be treated as unrestricted permission to cross the entire intersection.
A movement is more likely to be consistent with Rule 78 when:
A red-light infringement may still require a review if a camera records the movement. The precise result will depend on the evidence and circumstances.
For anyone asking, “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” in Western Australia, the state publishes the clearest restrictive guidance.
The WA Road Safety Commission tells motorists not to break the law when clearing a route for an emergency vehicle. Its guidance specifically says there is no excuse for speeding or going through a red light.
Western Australian drivers should:
Trying to make way does not automatically excuse a separate red-light offence in Western Australia.
For South Australian drivers asking, “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” the official position is that motorists must provide police and emergency vehicles using authorised warnings with a clear and uninterrupted passage.
The South Australian Driver’s Handbook says a driver may disobey another road rule to move out of the emergency vehicle’s way, but only when it is safe.
A limited movement against a red light may therefore be available when:
First, consider whether moving left within the lane, using an available shoulder or creating a gap would provide sufficient space.
South Australia’s separate 25 km/h emergency services speed requirement concerns certain stationary emergency vehicles. It should not be confused with making way for a moving police vehicle.
The Tasmanian answer to “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” begins with Rule 78, which requires a driver to move out of the path of an approaching police, emergency, enforcement or escort vehicle as soon as it can be done safely.
The provision applies despite other Tasmanian road rules.
This wording may support a limited necessary movement when a driver is physically obstructing the emergency vehicle. It does not remove the requirement to act safely.
A Tasmanian motorist should remain stationary when:
Travelling through the entire junction may be excessive when moving slightly beyond the line would create enough room.
For ACT motorists asking, “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” the Rule 78 framework requires a driver in the emergency vehicle’s path to move out as soon as it can be done safely.
ACT Policing provides an important practical instruction: when a motorist is stationary and there is nowhere safe to go, the driver should stay where they are.
An ACT driver should:
The statutory duty and police guidance are not necessarily inconsistent. Rule 78 requires movement as soon as it can be done safely—not when no safe option exists.
When Northern Territory (NT) motorists ask, “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” Rule 78 requires them to move out of a police or emergency vehicle’s path as soon as it is safe and applies despite other road rules.
NT public guidance also tells drivers who hear a siren or see flashing red or blue lights to give way or pull over towards the left.
A Northern Territory driver should:
Do not enter a junction when congestion on the opposite side would leave your vehicle blocking the intersection.
Crossing a stop line, entering a pedestrian crossing, and driving through an intersection are not always the same action.
| Possible movement | Practical and legal concern |
| Moving left while staying behind the line | Usually, the lowest-risk option |
| Moving slightly forward while remaining behind the line | May create space without disobeying the signal |
| Crossing the stop line by a short distance | May be sufficient where a limited movement is permitted |
| Entering the pedestrian crossing | May obstruct or endanger pedestrians and cyclists |
| Moving partly into the intersection | Requires a clear view of every cross-traffic lane |
| Completing the entire intersection | May be greater than reasonably necessary |
Even where a departure from the red signal may be permitted, choose the least extensive movement that achieves the purpose.
Before deciding “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” apply these five questions to the actual traffic conditions.
Look and listen for flashing lights, a siren or a direct signal.
A police vehicle travelling normally does not automatically require you to depart from the traffic-light rule.
The police vehicle may intend to:
Do not move into danger based only on an assumption.
Consider whether you can:
Check for:
The purpose is to create a route, not to complete the intersection or gain a traffic advantage.
When any answer is uncertain, remaining stationary and predictable may be safer.
The practical answer to “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” starts with staying calm and assessing whether your vehicle is truly blocking the police car.
Panic can lead to sudden braking, abrupt steering and poor decisions.
Emergency vehicle drivers are trained to assess blocked roads and will not expect an ordinary motorist to create an immediate collision risk.
Determine:
Use the left indicator when moving left. This shows both the police driver and surrounding motorists that you have seen the emergency vehicle.
Where possible:
Do not accelerate suddenly. Travel only far enough to create the required space.
A police vehicle may be followed by an ambulance, fire appliance or additional police vehicles.
Do not reverse unexpectedly or cut across neighbouring drivers. Wait for a safe and lawful opportunity to continue.
Do not enter when:
The obligation to make way does not require you to create a more serious or immediate danger.
On an undivided road, traffic travelling in both directions may need to create space.
Drivers should:
On a divided road with a physical median, traffic on the opposite carriageway may not need to move. Stay alert because the police vehicle may turn or use a median opening.
Do not stop in the centre of the intersection unless stopping is necessary to prevent a collision.
Continue carefully towards the nearest safe exit while keeping clear of the emergency vehicle. Watch for pedestrians, cyclists and other responding vehicles.
Once clear of the junction, move left or stop if necessary.
A police vehicle behind you with flashing lights may be responding to another incident or directing you to stop.
When the police appear to be stopping your vehicle:
Do not drive through a red light while searching for a more convenient place. If stopping immediately would be dangerous, indicate and continue at a controlled speed to the nearest safe location.
After the first vehicle passes:
Additional police cars, ambulances or fire appliances may be travelling close behind.
Trucks and buses require more space to steer and stop. Their length can cause them to block several lanes after a movement that would be simple for a small car.
Heavy-vehicle drivers should:
A trailer can track into another lane during a turn. Drivers must consider its full length before moving onto a shoulder or entering an intersection.
Learner drivers have the same responsibility to make way safely.
The supervising driver should provide calm and clear instructions. A learner should never be pressured into entering a dangerous intersection simply because a siren is sounding.
Licence restrictions do not remove the duty to keep clear of emergency vehicles. Provisional drivers should apply the same necessity and safety test as fully licensed motorists.
Motorcycle riders may have more room to move but should check for:
Do not use the cleared route behind the emergency vehicle to filter rapidly through traffic.
Follow the law of the jurisdiction in which you are currently driving.
This is particularly important when travelling into Western Australia because its official red-light guidance is more restrictive than the advice published in several other jurisdictions.
An unmarked vehicle can still be an authorised police vehicle when displaying the required warning lights or sounding an authorised alarm.
Do not respond to an ordinary private vehicle merely because its driver sounds the horn or flashes the headlights. When uncertain about an attempted police stop, slow down, acknowledge the vehicle and move to a safe, visible location.
Drivers asking, “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” should also understand that a red-light camera may photograph or record a vehicle crossing the stop line after the signal changes to red.
The camera detects the movement. It may not automatically determine why the driver crossed the line or whether an emergency vehicle was behind the car.
Receiving an infringement notice does not necessarily mean every surrounding circumstance has already been considered.
Depending on the jurisdiction, a driver may be able to:
A review is not guaranteed to succeed.
The reviewing authority may consider whether:
Evidence to Preserve After a Camera Flash
Keep:
Do not edit or overwrite the original footage. A longer recording showing events before and after the movement may be more useful than a short extract.
Read the review and payment instructions carefully before paying the notice. Payment may affect the available review or court process in some jurisdictions.
Potentially, yes.
Even where a limited red-light movement is available, the driver must continue exercising reasonable care. The presence of an emergency vehicle is not permit driving carelessly.
Legal, financial, or insurance consequences may arise when a driver:
Insurance outcomes depend on the applicable law, policy terms and evidence. Report a collision to police and the insurer when required.
A siren warns road users that a clear route is required. It does not necessarily direct one motorist to cross the junction.
Take enough time to identify the emergency vehicle’s route and check every part of the intersection.
Sudden braking may cause a rear-end collision or block the responding vehicle.
Footpaths may contain pedestrians, bicycle riders, poles, signs and other obstacles. Do not mount one unless specifically directed and clearly safe.
Moving forward may place the vehicle across a pedestrian or bicycle crossing. Check that the entire crossing is clear.
Do not use the cleared route to bypass traffic. Following closely behind an emergency vehicle is dangerous and may be unlawful.
Do not exceed the speed limit merely to remain ahead of the police or emergency vehicle.
The difference between Western Australia and other jurisdictions shows why location-specific information matters.
A second or third emergency vehicle may be following the first.
Generally, yes.
The obligation to keep clear can apply to authorised:
Definitions and authorised warning-light colours vary.
An ordinary private vehicle does not receive emergency priority merely because it displays an unauthorised light or flashes its headlights.
When a moving police car, ambulance or fire appliance approaches using authorised warnings, motorists must keep clear and give way.
Separate speed-reduction or move-over laws may apply when passing a stationary emergency, enforcement or roadside-assistance vehicle displaying flashing lights.
These roadside-worker protection rules should not be confused with the question of entering an intersection for a moving police vehicle.
Good road positioning can provide more options during an emergency.
When stopping at traffic lights:
Leaving a reasonable gap may allow you to move left or forward without entering the intersection.
The question “Is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle?” is often surrounded by myths that can lead to unsafe decisions.
| Myth | Fact |
| A siren always gives me permission to run a red light | The position depends on the jurisdiction, necessity, and safety |
| I must move even when entering would cause a crash | No driver should create a greater and more immediate danger |
| Every Australian state follows the same rule | Legislation and public guidance differ |
| A good intention automatically cancels a fine | Authorities consider the evidence and applicable law |
| Crossing the line means I should complete the intersection | A short movement may be all that is necessary |
| I can follow the police vehicle through cleared traffic | Following an emergency vehicle may be dangerous and unlawful |
| A direct police signal is the same as hearing a siren | A direct traffic instruction has a different legal effect |
| Police must always use lights and a siren together | Depending on the rules, authorised lights or an alarm may be sufficient |
This article is based on publicly available guidance and legislation from Australian transport authorities and road safety agencies, including:
So, is it legal to drive through the red light to make way for the police vehicle? There is no identical nationwide answer. Queensland and Victoria expressly permit limited movements in particular circumstances. South Australia permits disobeying another road rule when safely moving out of the way. Rule 78 provides relevant override wording in NSW, Tasmania, the ACT and NT. Western Australian guidance tells motorists not to cross a red light.
In every jurisdiction, safety remains the controlling consideration. Check the police vehicle’s intended route, indicate, move left where possible and travel no farther than necessary. When there is no safe place to go, remain calm and predictable and allow the trained emergency driver to choose the safest route.
It depends on the Australian state or territory. Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia allow limited movements in certain circumstances, while Western Australia’s guidance tells drivers not to cross a red light. Any movement must be necessary, controlled, and safe.
No. A siren warns drivers that a police or emergency vehicle needs a clear path, but it does not create automatic nationwide permission to run a red light. Always check the local rule and move only when it can be done safely.
Stay calm, check your mirrors, indicate, and move left within the available space where possible. If there is nowhere safe to move, remain stationary unless a police officer gives you a clear direction.
Yes. A red-light camera may record your vehicle crossing the stop line even when a police vehicle is behind you. Keep dashcam footage, the time, location and details of the police vehicle in case you need to request a review.
Yes. A clear hand signal, verbal instruction, or traffic direction from a police officer is different from merely hearing a siren. Confirm that the direction is meant for you, check the intersection, and proceed slowly.
No. An ambulance using lights and sirens requires drivers to give way, but it does not automatically authorise every motorist to drive through a red light. Drivers must follow the rules of their jurisdiction and only move when it is necessary and safe.
Yes. Depending on the jurisdiction, drivers may request a review and provide evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements, and details of the responding emergency vehicle. Each case is assessed on its own facts.
Failing to give way to a police or emergency vehicle may result in penalties depending on the circumstances and applicable road rules. Drivers should safely move aside or create a clear path whenever required by law.
Legal Disclaimer
This article provides general road-safety information and does not constitute legal advice. Traffic laws, legal defences, penalties and enforcement practices may change and may depend on the precise circumstances. Check the latest legislation and official transport-authority guidance for the relevant jurisdiction or obtain qualified legal advice about a specific incident, collision or infringement.
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