Topic 3 · Rules of the Road: Traffic Laws in California
When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, the law requires you to:
- Continue at the same speed
- Stop behind the emergency vehicle
- Move over one lane or slow down if you cannot change lanes — correct answer
Why
Move Over: change to a lane away from the stopped emergency or road-work vehicle. If you cannot change lanes safely, slow down instead. (Handbook, Section 7 — Move Over and Slow Down.) Since January 1, 2026 (AB 390) this also covers any stationary vehicle showing hazard lights, cones or flares.
Practise this in the real format
Reading one answer is not the same as sitting the test. The simulator runs the first-time adult form: 36 questions, 6 mistakes allowed, 83% to pass.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600, rev. 6/2025), the document the DMV writes the real test from. Edited by Fernando Aguilera. Aprobify is not affiliated with the California DMV.
More from Rules of the Road: Traffic Laws in California
- The pedestrian signal shows a flashing DON'T WALK or flashing raised hand. As a driver you should know that:
- When merging onto a highway you should leave:
- You may legally turn left on red only when:
- When you finish parallel parking, your vehicle should be within:
- A yellow and black circular sign or an X-shaped sign warns you of:
- What is the speed limit in a school zone unless otherwise posted?