Pulling Over for a Siren

When an authorized emergency vehicle approaches with a red light, or red and blue lights, or a siren, every other driver yields, pulls to a position as close as possible to the right edge of the highway, clear of any intersection, and stops until it has passed, unless an officer directs otherwise.

• Iowa Code § 321.324StatuteOperation on approach of emergency vehiclesOpens legis.iowa.gov ↗

• Approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights, a driver moves to a lane not next to it if that can be done safely.
• If not, the driver slows to a speed below the posted limit and is prepared to stop.
• The same applies to a stopped tow truck, utility, maintenance, construction or garbage vehicle with flashing lights.

• Iowa Code § 321.323AStatuteApproaching certain stationary vehiclesOpens legis.iowa.gov ↗

A violation of the move over section is a scheduled violation, with an added fine of $500 when it causes a crash with bodily injury and $1,000 when it causes a death.

• Iowa Code § 321.323AStatuteApproaching certain stationary vehiclesOpens legis.iowa.gov ↗