AmbulanceGreece

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


18. Ambulance

An ambulance is a vehicle equipped and used to provide emergency medical assistance or transport patients to or between healthcare facilities. Ambulances may carry medical equipment and trained personnel who can provide treatment during transport.

During an emergency response, an ambulance may use warning lights and a siren and may receive special priority or exemptions from certain traffic rules. Other road users must follow the local rules for emergency vehicles, make sufficient space and avoid obstructing their passage.

Ambulance
Ambulance in Loannina, Greece.
Wikimedia.org • Jeanhousen • CC BY-SA
What is an ambulance?

An ambulance is a specially equipped vehicle used to provide emergency medical assistance and transport sick or injured people.

When does an ambulance have priority?

This depends on the local traffic rules and warning signals being used. Ambulances responding to emergencies commonly use flashing lights and a siren to indicate that other road users must make way.

What should you do when an ambulance approaches?

Remain calm and make sufficient space for it to pass. Slow down or stop where necessary, but avoid sudden or dangerous manoeuvres.

Should you stop immediately when you hear an ambulance siren?

Not necessarily in your exact position. Move or stop in a way that creates a safe passage without blocking an intersection, pedestrian crossing or another part of the road needed by the ambulance.

Can an ambulance pass a red traffic light?

Emergency vehicles may be allowed to pass a red light during an urgent response under special legal conditions. The precise rules differ between countries, and the ambulance driver must still take appropriate precautions.

Can an ambulance exceed the speed limit?

Many countries permit emergency vehicles to depart from certain normal speed rules during an urgent mission, subject to safety requirements and national legislation.

Can an ambulance drive through a traffic queue?

Yes, when responding to an emergency and legally permitted to do so. Other road users should create space and keep emergency corridors or access routes clear where required.

Can you follow an ambulance through traffic?

You should not use the passage created for an ambulance as a way to bypass congestion. Maintain a safe distance and continue to obey the normal traffic rules.

Do ambulances always use their sirens?

No. The use of warning lights and sirens depends on the urgency of the mission and local regulations. An ambulance transporting a patient does not necessarily need to use emergency signals throughout the journey.

What should you do near a stationary ambulance?

Reduce speed and remain alert. Medical personnel, patients or other emergency workers may be entering the road, and the ambulance may need to move unexpectedly.

1 Greece 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Quay 5 Slope 6 Roundabout 7 Curve 8 Wrong-way driving 9 Traffic lights 10 Traffic mirror 11 Reversing 12 U-turn 13 City limit 14 Tourist attraction 15 Licence plate 16 Bus 17 Police 18 Ambulance 19 European emission standard 20 Pothole 21 Path 22 Particulates 23 Air pollution 24 Rush hour 25 Road code 26 Street gutter 27 Cargo bike 28 Forestry vehicle 29 Construction vehicle 30 Semi-trailer truck 31 Trolleybus 32 Speed pedelec 33 Delivery vehicle 34 Idling 35 Tow truck 36 Four-wheel drive 37 Bicycle 38 Motorcycle equipment 39 Rail track 40 Caravan 41 Trailer 42 Tow hitch 43 Fire truck 44 Siren 45 Convoy 46 Emergency vehicle lighting 47 Agricultural machinery 48 Electric bicycle 49 Electric vehicle 50 Pedelec 51 Quadricycle 52 Microcar 53 All-terrain vehicle 54 Van 55 Recreational vehicle 56 Scooter 57 Trikke 58 Personal mobility device 59 Skateboard 60 Segway 61 Kick scooter 62 Roller skates 63 Mailman 64 Hitchhiker 65 Toddler 66 Child 67 Disability 68 Motorail 69 km/h 70 mph 71 Speedometer 72 National speed 73 Ride height 74 Dirt road 75 Driving 76 Start-stop system 77 Manual transmission 78 Automatic transmission 79 Throttle 80 Tachometer 81 Steering wheel 82 Power steering 83 Visual scanning 84 Mirror 85 Fuel 86 Fuel gauge 87 Petrol 88 Diesel 89 Diesel exhaust fluid 90 Car insurance 91 First aid kit 92 Fire extinguisher 93 High-visibility clothing 94 First aid 95 Concrete step barrier 96 Barriers 97 Vehicle lights 98 Street lights 99 Dipped beam 100 High beam ...