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SirenFinland

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

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Finland

78. Siren

A siren is a loud warning device used to attract attention and warn people that an emergency or priority vehicle is approaching. Sirens are commonly fitted to vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles and may produce alternating or changing tones so they can be recognised quickly.

When an emergency vehicle approaches with its siren operating, road users should remain alert, identify where the vehicle is coming from and safely make room for it to pass. The exact priority rules and permitted use of sirens vary between countries.

Siren
Fire engine truck with warning siren and emergency lights.
Wikimedia.org • David R. Tribble • CC BY-SA
What is a siren?

A siren is a powerful audible warning device used primarily by emergency or priority vehicles to alert other road users of their approach.

Which vehicles commonly use sirens?

Sirens are commonly used by ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles and other authorised emergency vehicles.

What should you do when you hear an emergency siren?

Stay alert, determine where the emergency vehicle is approaching from and make room for it to pass safely according to the traffic rules of the country.

1 Finland 2 Motorway 3 Built-up area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Footpath 7 Shared-use path 8 Pedestrian warning 9 Pedestrian zone 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Bus stop 14 Dead end 15 Stop sign 16 Give way 17 Roundabout 18 Priority road 19 Railway crossing 20 School area 21 Crossing animals 22 Wrong-way driving 23 Roadworks 24 Height limit 25 Weight limit 26 Radar speed sign 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Driving licence 30 Countdown markers 31 International border 32 Cycling route 33 Parking 34 No parking 35 Parallel parking 36 Parking disc 37 Reversing 38 Uncontrolled crossroad 39 Verge 40 City limit 41 Licence plate 42 Charging station 43 Dangers 44 Pedestrian 45 Cyclist 46 Moped 47 Bus 48 Police 49 Ambulance 50 Tram lights 51 European emission standard 52 Pothole 53 Path 54 Particulates 55 Air pollution 56 Rush hour 57 Road code 58 Two-way traffic 59 Street gutter 60 Cargo bike 61 Forestry vehicle 62 Construction vehicle 63 Semi-trailer truck 64 Trolleybus 65 Speed pedelec 66 Delivery vehicle 67 Idling 68 Tow truck 69 Four-wheel drive 70 No vehicles 71 Bicycle 72 Motorcycle equipment 73 Rail track 74 Caravan 75 Trailer 76 Tow hitch 77 Fire truck 78 Siren 79 Convoy 80 Emergency vehicle lighting 81 Agricultural machinery 82 Electric bicycle 83 Electric vehicle 84 Pedelec 85 Quadricycle 86 Microcar 87 All-terrain vehicle 88 Van 89 Recreational vehicle 90 Scooter 91 Trikke 92 Personal mobility device 93 Skateboard 94 Segway 95 Kick scooter 96 Roller skates 97 Mailman 98 Hitchhiker 99 Toddler 100 Child ...