In Australia, keeping everyone safe and orderly on the roads is the main function of driving regulations. It’s common for drivers to wonder whether it’s lawful to break a red traffic light to allow police, ambulance, and fire service vehicles to pass. The answer is yes—with some conditions and exceptions depending on the state or territory.
Legal Basis for Running a Red Light
In most situations, traffic lights are put there for a reason, and you can’t break them without consequence; fines and demerit points can be issued for breaching the rules. Specifically, Section 59 of the Road Rules 2014 states that a driver must stop at red traffic lights. But there’s an outlier outlined in Section 78 of the same rules. It states that drivers must move out of the path of an emergency vehicle with flashing lights or sirens as soon as it is safe to do so. This implies that drivers can pass a red light with caution to facilitate emergency vehicles.
Running a traffic light to yield to emergency vehicles is legal only when it is necessary and safe to do so. Crossing over to oncoming traffic is to be avoided unless it can be done safely. The law values safety first and foremost which best explains how crossing a traffic light to provide a passage is only permitted when a driver can be reasonable. When crossing a traffic light to provide passage, every driver needs to be considerate of the other road users and and proceed in a cautious manner.
Not Giving Way to Emergency Vehicles
Not giving way to emergency vehicles or crossing a red light when it is not safe, is going to cause running a traffic light to reasonably incur a cost of $464 and 3 demerits. The fines that can accrue in the not giving way to emergency vehicles can be $2,200 and 20 penalty units which is varies depending on the jurisdiction. These costs imply that a driver needs to understand the road rules of emergency vehicles.
Variations Across States
Across the Australian states and territories, the rules governing whether emergency vehicles can run a red light do not vary dramatically. For example, in Queensland, the rules do state that it is permissible for emergency vehicles to enter the opposite side of the road and to run red lights in order to yield safely, while in Western Australia, it is discouraged. Drivers should be aware and acquainted with the rest of the road rules in their area.
Short Table: Running a Red Light for Emergency Vehicles in Australia
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal to run red light? | Yes, but only when safe and necessary |
| Relevant law | Sections 59 & 78, Road Rules 2014 |
| Penalties for violations | Up to $464 fine + 3 demerit points |
| Penalties for non-giving way | Up to $2,200 fines and 20 penalty units |
| State variations | Queensland permits more flexibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I turn right on a red light to get out of the way?
A1: No. Turning on a red light is illegal in Australia unless there is a specific sign that says it is permitted.
Q2: What should I do if an emergency vehicle is behind me?
A2: You should pull over to the left side of the road and stop your vehicle to provide a clear path for the emergency vehicle.
Q3: Am I allowed to speed to get out of the way?
A3: No. You should not speed to let emergency vehicles pass; it is illegal and unsafe. You must drive within the speed limit.
