The exemption list
Appendix 2 splits exemptions into nine that apply on routine and emergency calls, and seven that apply on emergency calls only. Bus lanes (6.3) are added as a separate emergency-only item. Tap a card to open it.
Conditions that apply to every card Claim an exemption only if observing the rule would be likely to hinder the use of the vehicle for its purpose on that occasion. You must not be committing an offence of dangerous driving or parking, or driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration (Appendix 2.1).
Stopping on a clearway
- Policy
- Listed in Appendix 2.2 as available on routine and emergency calls.
- Watch for
- The exemption does not remove your duty not to endanger other road users (7.3.1). Choose the safest position you can and think about crew and traffic risk when leaving the vehicle.
Parking in the zig-zag area of a pedestrian crossing
- Policy
- Appendix 2.2, routine and emergency calls.
- Watch for
- Zig-zags exist to keep the view of the crossing clear. Parking there can hide pedestrians from drivers and drivers from pedestrians, so the no-endangering rule matters most here.
Parking in areas controlled by double white, yellow or red lines
- Policy
- Appendix 2.2, routine and emergency calls.
- Watch for
- The hinder test still applies. Parking there for convenience, rather than because you need to be close to the patient or task, is the kind of thing you may be asked to justify.
Leaving the engine running while the vehicle is unattended
- Policy
- Appendix 2.2, routine and emergency calls.
Parking on the offside during the hours of darkness
- Policy
- Appendix 2.2, routine and emergency calls.
Parking or driving on a cycle track
- Policy
- Appendix 2.2, routine and emergency calls. This one covers driving on a cycle track as well as parking.
Parking on a central reservation
- Policy
- Appendix 2.2, routine and emergency calls.
Parking at a designated bus stop
- Policy
- Appendix 2.2, routine and emergency calls. Do not confuse this with using a bus lane, which is emergency-only (see the bus lane card).
Double parking or parking across a dropped kerb
- Policy
- Appendix 2.2, routine and emergency calls.
Going the wrong side of a keep left or keep right sign
- Policy
- Appendix 2.3. Emergency calls only, where it is safe to do so and where not doing it would hinder the response.
- Watch for
- Older lists cite TSRGD 2002 regulation numbers. TSRGD 2016 replaced it, so check current references before quoting any.
Exceeding statutory speed limits
- Statute
- Section 87 Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984: no statutory speed limit applies to a vehicle used for ambulance purposes if observing it would be likely to hinder that use on that occasion. Section 87(1A) extends this to a vehicle responding to an emergency at an NHS ambulance service's request.
- Policy
- Only where safe (7.5.1). Not more than 20 mph over the posted limit (7.5.3). Only high-speed registered drivers may claim it (7.6.3). See the Speed section.
Treating a red light as a give way
- Statute
- TSRGD 2016, Schedule 14 Part 1 paragraph 5. See the Red lights section for what the wording requires.
- Policy
- Appendix 2.3 lists it as including light-controlled crossings and temporary lights.
Using audible warnings at night on a restricted road, 23:30 to 07:00
- Policy
- Appendix 2.3 lists this exemption. Section 7.4.5 asks you to consider whether a siren would actually help or warn anyone at night, and 7.4.6 reminds you that other road users may be tired and not concentrating.
- Restricted road
- A street-lit road. In England and Wales, one with a system of street lighting with lamps not more than 200 yards apart (s.82 RTRA 1984), which is where the default 30 mph limit applies (20 mph in Wales since September 2023). The policy does not define the term, and I have not checked the wording of the siren rule itself.
- Watch for
- Where people are likely to be about, such as a busy city centre, the policy expects audible equipment to be used.
Entering a pedestrian precinct
- Policy
- Appendix 2.3. Emergency calls only, where safe and where not doing it would hinder the response.
Stopping within a yellow box junction
- Policy
- Appendix 2.3. Emergency calls only.
Motorway regulations, including hard shoulder use
- Statute
- Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982, regulation 16(1). See the Motorways section.
- Policy
- Appendix 2.3 lists "Motorway Regulation" as one item. It does not name the hard shoulder, so local operational bulletins (7.9) govern how you actually do it.
Using a bus lane during its hours of operation
- Policy
- Section 6.3: only when deployed by ICC to an emergency response. No exemption for non-emergency journeys.
- Watch for
- This is not in the Appendix 2.3 list, so it is easy to miss when revising from the appendix alone. In law, bus lane rules come from local traffic orders, and the examples I saw exempt vehicles used for ambulance purposes. Orders vary by area.
Speed
Statute checked Section 87(1) Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 disapplies statutory speed limits for a vehicle used for ambulance purposes when observing the limit would be likely to hinder that use on that occasion. Subsection (1A) covers vehicles responding to an emergency at an NHS ambulance service's request.
The statute has no number in it There is no statutory "20 mph over". The 20 mph figure is the Trust's own rule (7.5.3). It is a ceiling, not an entitlement, and it does not excuse a speed that is unsafe for the conditions.
Trust policy
- Claim the speed exemption only where it is safe to do so (7.5.1).
- You must always be able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear, and drive at a speed suited to traffic and weather (7.5.1).
- You must not exceed the posted limit by more than 20 mph, in any vehicle responding on ICC activation (7.5.3).
- Emergency drivers owe the same duty of care as any other road user, and have no right to drive dangerously (7.5.2).
- Outside ICC-allocated emergency calls, you must drive within posted limits at all times (6.1.1, 6.1.2).
Ceiling arithmetic (derived from 7.5.3)
| Posted limit | Trust ceiling |
|---|---|
| 20 mph | 40 mph |
| 30 mph | 50 mph |
| 40 mph | 60 mph |
| 50 mph | 70 mph |
| 60 mph | 80 mph |
| 70 mph | 90 mph |
These are maximums the policy allows, not speeds to aim for. The safe speed for the road in front of you is usually lower.
High-speed driver registration (7.6)
- Only staff who completed the full UK Ambulance Services ERD programme are eligible to be high-speed registered and to claim this exemption (7.6.3).
- Since 1 January 2012, new ERD attendees are trained and assessed against the High-Speed Driving Regulations Codes of Practice and registered if they pass (7.6.4).
- Driving standards are reviewed in a five-yearly competency review (7.6.5).
- Absent from a driving role for more than six months: a driving standards review is part of return to work (7.6.6).
- "High-speed driving" also covers a speed below the limit that is still above what conditions would normally allow (7.6.2).
- The review can be stopped while corrective action happens if your driving compromises safety (7.6.7).
Vehicle limits (9.10)
- Most newer response vehicles are limited to 70 mph for routine use and 90 mph when on emergency response.
- Vehicles limited to 62 mph or 56 mph must not use the furthest right lane of a motorway, unless it is a two-lane motorway.
Camera enforcement
External, dated 2016 A Surrey Police procedure summarising national ACPO policy says that where blue lamps are displayed, the exemption is assumed valid and no further action is taken. Without blue lamps, a Notice of Intended Prosecution goes to the service, and a supervisor must corroborate any exemption claim with observations and a risk assessment. Automatic exemption also depends on speed thresholds. Other forces and current policy may differ.
Red traffic lights
Statute checked TSRGD 2016, Schedule 14 Part 1 paragraph 5. Normally a red signal prohibits proceeding beyond the stop line. For a vehicle used for ambulance purposes, or responding at an NHS ambulance service's request, where observing the red would be likely to hinder that use, the prohibition changes. You must not proceed in such a manner or at such a time as to be likely to endanger any person, or to cause the driver of another vehicle to change speed or course to avoid an accident.
Paragraph 5(14) adds that any vehicle proceeding past a stop line must do so with due regard to other road users and subject to directions from a uniformed constable, traffic officer or traffic warden.
What "give way" means in practice You may not force anyone else to react. If the only way through is for another driver to brake hard, swerve or run their own red light, the exemption's wording is not met.
- Trust policy Appendix 2.3 includes light-controlled crossings and temporary lights.
- Warning equipment gives you no right of way whatsoever and can make you more vulnerable (7.4.2).
- Rule 219 of the Highway Code tells other drivers to comply with all traffic signs when letting emergency vehicles pass, so do not assume anyone will move for you.
Motorways and the hard shoulder
Statute checked Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982, regulation 16(1): the normal motorway restrictions do not stop a person using a motorway otherwise than in accordance with them in certain circumstances. The ones relevant to you:
- 16(1)(a): you act on a direction or permission from a uniformed constable or traffic officer, or follow a traffic sign.
- 16(1)(c): it is necessary to avoid or prevent an accident, or to obtain or give help required as a result of an accident or emergency, and you do it in a way that causes as little danger or inconvenience to other traffic as possible.
- 16(1)(d): you are using the motorway in the exercise of your duty as a member of an ambulance service.
Reading it sensibly Regulation 16 is a legal permission, not an operating procedure. Hard shoulders can hold broken-down vehicles and people on foot, and smart motorway layouts differ. The policy sends you to local bulletins for the how (7.9).
Trust policy
- Smart motorway access, including reverse flow access when standing traffic blocks normal access, is set out in operational bulletins agreed with the police, National Highways (named Highways England in the policy), and fire services. If in doubt, contact ICC (7.9.1).
- You have absolutely no permission to park on the opposite carriageway to deal with an incident there, unless the police or another authorised agency directs you to (7.9.2).
- Any NWAS employee attending a motorway incident must know the procedures, particularly parking (6.8.1).
- Unmarked vehicles should not routinely be the first vehicle at a motorway incident, unless the police or another agency has already made the scene safe (6.8.2).
Blue lights and sirens
This is where statute and Trust policy differ most, so keep them separate in your head.
| What the law says (as checked) | What NWAS policy says | |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | The vehicle is used for ambulance purposes and observing the rule would be likely to hinder that use. The statutory wording I read does not mention lights. | Audible and visual equipment should be used when claiming any exemption (7.4.1). Use all EWE unless there is just cause not to (7.4.3). |
| Discretion | Not applicable. | Use of EWE is a matter of discretion, but the Trust expects EWE on emergency responses (7.2). |
| If you choose not to | The exemption conditions still apply. | Ask: can you justify it, is it proportionate, is it reasonable (7.2). |
| Enforcement | Cameras: blue lamps displayed means the exemption is presumed valid (Surrey Police summary of national policy, 2016). | Expect a supervisor to ask you to justify anything done without EWE. |
Using EWE (7.4)
- Drivers have a duty to warn other road users of their presence and intentions, and the public has a right to receive that warning (7.4.1).
- EWE gives no right of way and can make you more vulnerable (7.4.2).
- Use it day or night throughout the journey (7.4.4).
- Exceptions: on the approach to a temporarily blocked junction, or near animals such as horses, audible equipment may be turned off with lights left on. Turn audible back on once you can proceed or the hazard has passed (7.4.4).
- Intelligent siren use: at night, sirens may be omitted after a risk assessment only where they would not help or warn anyone. If anyone could reasonably benefit, use them (7.4.5).
- EWE must only be activated when used for ambulance purposes or responding at an NHS ambulance service's request, at the scene of an emergency, or to warn people of the vehicle or a hazard (7.4.7).
- Deliberate misuse is a criminal offence and against Trust policy (7.4.8).
- Never assume your warning has been seen or heard (7.4.6).
No exemption
Behaviour that is never exempt
- Dangerous, careless or inconsiderate driving (7.4.3, Appendix 2.1).
- Any action that endangers other road users (7.3.1).
- Dangerous parking (Appendix 2.1).
- Duties after a collision: to stop, give your details and report (10.2.1).
People and vehicles with no exemptions under the policy
| Who | Policy |
|---|---|
| Voluntary ambulance car drivers | No exemptions (6.5.1) |
| First responders, staff responders, allied co-responders, own vehicle or Trust or community scheme vehicle | No exemptions (6.6.1) |
| Doctors' co-operative vehicles fitted with green visual warning lights | No exemptions under any circumstances (6.4.1) |
| Doctors' vehicles with full emergency warning equipment | Exemptions only if the driver completed a recognised course within a valid registration period and was deployed by ICC (6.4.2) |
| Motorcycles | The Trust does not permit response on a motorcycle (7.8.1) |
| A response car driver who stays with a patient in the ambulance | Not authorised to drive the response car under emergency conditions to follow, even if trained (7.10.3) |
Other vehicle types
- Pedal cycle responders must have completed a nationally recognised cycle response course and fitness tests, and follow Trust guidelines on speed and exemptions (6.7.1).
- In a response car, you must have completed the training for that vehicle type. Training on one type does not cover another (7.7.1).
- Other vehicles used to respond at the request of an NHS ambulance service can be covered if they are primarily used for medical response to emergencies and the driver is authorised by an organisation named in the schedule (7.3.3).
Several vehicles on the same road (7.10)
Drive independently of any other vehicle. Each driver assesses hazards, adjusts to the road and applies exemptions on their own judgement, and does not follow the actions of another vehicle.
Radios, phones and seat belts
Communications (section 8)
- Fixed in-vehicle radios should not be used by the driver under normal conditions. Only in exceptional circumstances, using the PTT lever, and never in a non-emergency situation (8.2.1).
- If you must use it, keep messages short and do not let it affect control of the vehicle. Give the attendant the communications task where you can (8.2.3).
- You must be able to justify both that use was necessary and that it was done safely (8.2.4).
- Hand-held communication devices must not be used whilst driving (8.3.1).
- Hand-held phone or interactive device: an offence. Hands-free must not be used if it distracts you. A cradle is allowed if you can operate it without holding it (8.4, 8.5).
- Exception in the policy: a 999 or 112 call in response to a genuine emergency if it is unsafe or impracticable to stop (8.5.7).
- Two-way radios are exempt from the hand-held rule, but dual-use devices that can also operate on mobile frequencies are not (8.5.6).
- Mobile data terminals must not be used by the driver while the vehicle is moving. They can be used when double crewed or stationary (8.7.1).
- Use the satnav voice directions on an emergency response rather than the visual prompts (8.6.1).
Seat belts (9.5)
- All drivers and passengers in all Trust vehicles must use seat belts or the safety harness provided, including staff, students and observers.
- The only acceptable time not to wear one is when the patient's condition dictates otherwise, for example life-saving techniques (9.5.6).
- Patients on the stretcher must be secured with the safety harness unless their medical condition dictates otherwise (9.5.8).
After a collision (section 10)
- No exemptions apply to collision reporting (10.2.1).
- You must stop and give the required details.
- Report the collision to the North West Ambulance Support Centre in Carlisle immediately, and complete the bump card and Datix (10.3).
- Tell your own insurer if you are a driver or named driver on another vehicle (10.3.4).
Driver fitness and authority
- You need a valid DVLA licence with the right category, and training or assessment specific to the vehicle (4.1). Using a Trust vehicle without authority means being uninsured.
- Licence checks every 12 months. Nine or more penalty points triggers six-monthly checks (4.2.1).
- Number plate vision test: 20 metres, or 20.5 metres for old-style plates. Wear glasses or lenses at all times if needed, and carry a spare pair where available (4.3.1).
- Report health conditions to the DVLA. Drivers aged 45 or over who got C1 by acquisition need a GP medical every five years (4.4).
- No more than ten hours driving in any 24 hours. The Highway Code recommends at least a 15 minute break every two hours (4.6).
- Avoid distractions such as loud music, maps, adjusting the radio, eating, drinking, and smoking or vaping (4.7).
- Authority to drive can be removed by a manager, for example after a serious incident or potential prosecution. You are then assessed by the Driver Training Department before reinstatement (4.8).
- Return to driving after more than six months away needs a driving standards review (7.6.6).
Sources and things to check
What I checked against legislation
- Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, section 87: legislation.gov.uk
- Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, Schedule 14 Part 1 paragraph 5: legislation.gov.uk
- Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982, regulation 16: legislation.gov.uk
- Camera enforcement summary: Surrey Police procedure (2016, other forces may differ)
Points that need checking or that the policy leaves unclear
- Bus lanes appear in section 6.3 but not in the Appendix 2.3 list.
- Section 19 Road Safety Act 2006: section 7.6.1 says "when enacted", yet section 1.3 refers to registration "in accordance with Section 19". The Trust applies high-speed registration as policy either way. If the commencement status matters to you, check it.
- Section 7.3.3 attributes authorisation for NHS-request vehicles to the Road Traffic Act 1988. The provisions I found for that are section 87(1A) RTRA 1984 and TSRGD 2016 paragraph 5(6). Verify before quoting.
- Parking-type exemptions and the keep left, precinct, yellow box and night audible items: I did not verify their statutory basis. Older lists cite TSRGD 2002 regulation numbers, which TSRGD 2016 superseded.
- Appendix 1 lists a Lord Chief Justice recommendation on speeds when driving on blue lights. I did not see its content.
- The contents page of the policy has some numbering and spelling slips. Refer to the live intranet version.
- Appendix 3 (the equality impact assessment) was not in the text I worked from.
Use This is a revision aid built from the policy text you supplied. For anything you might rely on in a prosecution, complaint or disciplinary process, use the current Trust policy and get advice from your union or legal cover.
Question bank
Build your own quiz from the bank. Pick the topics and how many questions you want. Every answer comes with the policy section or statute behind it, so a wrong answer tells you where to look.