Moving Over for Emergencies
RSA 265:37-a — slow down and give a wide berth, $75 for a first offense
When an authorized emergency vehicle or a police vehicle approaches using its signals, every other driver yields, pulls to the right edge clear of any intersection, stops and stays there until it passes, unless a police officer directs otherwise.
Who handles this in New Hampshire: New Hampshire Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the New Hampshire directory.
Approaching a fire, collision, utility work or other emergency blocking the highway, or a traffic stop, a driver keeps a reduced speed and, where practical, gives a wide berth to the people and the vehicles with blue, red or amber lights, obeys whoever is directing traffic, and leaves any blocked lane as soon as possible.
The fine is $75 for a first offense and $250 for a later one within 12 months.
Sources for this section (2)
- RSA 265:37-a — Motorist Duties When Approaching Highway Emergencies
- RSA 265:33 — Driving of Vehicles on Approach of Authorized Emergency Vehicles
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Hampshire attorney.