At a red traffic signal, what action should an EVD take?

• A. Slow down and pass through quickly.
• B. Come to a complete stop and proceed only when safe and in accordance with policy and law.
• C. Treat as a yield sign.
• D. Turn around and take a different route.

Answer: (B)

When an emergency vehicle encounters a red signal, you must come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe and allowed by policy and law. This ensures you respect traffic controls and protect other road users, even while responding to an emergency. After stopping, scan for cross traffic and pedestrians, then go only when the way is clear and your department’s rules permit it. Rushing through a red light is unsafe, treating red as a yield sign isn’t appropriate, and turning around or diverting isn’t relevant to the current intersection.