I Asked The Internet So You Don't Have To - Emergency Vehicle Edition

The internet is excellent at asking questions. Sometimes brilliant ones.

Can Emergency Vehicles speed? Do they have to use sirens? Are they following you? What about the army? And lifeguards? And is that red thing actually the police or just the postman?

Right. Let’s clear it all up in one go.

Can police cars break the speed limit?

Yes. But not casually, and definitely not for fun.

Police drivers can exceed speed limits when responding to emergencies, pursuing suspects, or preventing serious harm. They must be trained, authorised, and able to justify every decision they make. These exemptions are reviewed, and misuse is taken seriously.

So no, they are not doing 90mph because you were doing 71. That is not how this works.

Can ambulances break the speed limit?

Yes, when time is critical.

Ambulance drivers are also specially trained, but speed is only one part of the job. Patient safety matters just as much, which is why you’ll often see ambulances driving briskly but smoothly rather than like they’re auditioning for a rally stage.

If an ambulance is not using blue lights or sirens, it usually means the situation allows controlled driving. Not every call is a full-scale emergency, even if it still feels urgent to the people involved.

Can fire engines break the speed limit?

Yes, in emergencies. With a large dose of reality.

Fire engines are enormous, heavy vehicles, often weighing more than 15 tonnes when fully loaded. While they are allowed to exceed speed limits during emergency response, braking distances are long and handling is deliberate.

Arriving safely is more important than arriving dramatically. Physics always gets the final vote.

Why don’t emergency vehicles always use sirens?

Because sirens are not background music.

Sirens are used when other road users need clear, urgent warning. Using them constantly increases stress, causes unpredictable reactions from drivers, and can make situations more dangerous rather than less.

Silence does not mean inactivity. It usually means calm progress is the safest option.

Why do police cars sometimes follow drivers?

Usually because roads are shared.

Police vehicles patrol, observe, and move between jobs like everyone else, just with better radios and fewer podcasts. Being behind you does not automatically mean you are under suspicion.

If police intend to stop you, you will know. They do not rely on subtle vibes.

Can fire engines use sea water?

Yes, but only when necessary.

Sea water can be used when no fresh supply is available, particularly near the coast. However, it is corrosive and damaging to equipment, so it is very much a last resort rather than standard practice.

It is effective on fires. It is not kind to machinery.

What about the military?

Military vehicles generally follow normal road laws.

Despite appearances, soldiers are not allowed to treat public roads like training grounds. Most military vehicles must obey speed limits and traffic rules just like everyone else.

During authorised operations, exercises, or emergencies, limited exemptions may apply. These are tightly controlled, planned in advance, and often involve escorts or convoys moving at steady, predictable speeds.

If you are stuck behind a tank doing 40mph, that is not intimidation. That is simply how fast 60 tonnes prefers to travel.

And military convoys?

Convoys are planned, regulated, and defensive.

They take wide turns, move slowly, and occupy space because heavy vehicles cannot stop or manoeuvre quickly. Overtaking them aggressively is a poor life choice.

Patience is not just polite here. It is sensible.

What about lifeguards and lifeboat crews?

Yes, they count as emergency responders.

Beach lifeguards and organisations like the RNLI operate emergency vehicles that may exceed speed limits or use warning lights when responding to rescues. This is especially common near beaches, coastal access roads, and launch sites.

Lifeboat launch tractors and support vehicles have priority during active launches. If someone in waterproofs is shouting directions with urgency, listening is strongly advised.

Outside of emergencies, lifeguard vehicles follow normal road laws. They do not get exemptions for “just in case”.

Why are some police vehicles red?

In the UK, red police vehicles are usually specialist units.

In London, they are commonly used by Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection teams guarding government buildings and high-profile individuals. Outside those roles, most police vehicles use standard high-visibility markings.

If you are not in London, that red vehicle is probably not the police. It is almost certainly a delivery van. Relax.

Final thought

Emergency services, the military, and rescue organisations are given limited legal exemptions for one reason only: to protect life and public safety. Their drivers are highly trained, closely regulated, and expected to balance urgency with responsibility at all times.

They are not above the law.

They are trusted to bend it carefully, occasionally, so someone else gets home.

And if you see a fire engine, ambulance, convoy, or lifeboat tractor slowing your commute? That is one of the few times being late is entirely understandable.