From Saturday, September 1, motorists are required to slow down to 40 kilometres per hour when passing a stationary emergency vehicle displaying blue or red flashing lights.

Motorists must also give way to any person walking in the vicinity of the vehicle.

Manning Great Lakes Police District supervisor Sergeant Michael Martin said the law will benefit all services including police, ambulance, firefighters and rescue volunteers.

“It promotes general safety for emergency services.

“It will be good for such things as traffic enforcement, in terms of people slowing down when passing.

“If you’re out on the main road and have cars and trucks driving by at 100, 90 or 80 kilometres per hour, it does make it a bit dangerous,” Sergeant Martin said. 

The rule applies to traffic in both directions, unless the road is divided by a median strip.

Anyone in breach of the law can be fined $448 and lose three demerit points.

Fire and Rescue NSW Taree captain Anthony Shoesmith said emergency service personnel welcome the rule.

“It creates a safe zone when police, ambulance and firefighters are trying to do their work,” Mr Shoesmith said.

“It’s very important so we can do our job safely.”

Drivers should not increase speed until they are a safe distance from the vehicle 

A NSW Transport spokesperson said if a stationary vehicle’s lights are not flashing, the rule does not apply.

The rule will be enforced during a 12 month trial period while the NSW Government, NSW Police and emergency services organisations monitor impacts to traffic and safety. 

A decision will then be made whether to legislate the rule.

Meanwhile from the start of September, anyone caught using their mobile phone while driving will lose five demerit points instead of four.