Blocking an Ambulance Can Result in Fines or Imprisonment: Here Are the Rules

A case involving a motorcyclist blocking an empty ambulance while it was heading to pick up an accident victim in Depok has become a public concern. The incident occurred on Jalan Moch Nail, Bakti Jaya Ward, Sukmajaya Subdistrict, Depok City, on Sunday (10/5/2026). At the time, the ambulance was en route to the location to collect the traffic accident patient. However, the vehicle was obstructed by a motorcyclist with the initials ML, allegedly disturbed by the siren sound. The case went viral on social media following a debate between the motorcyclist and ambulance personnel, culminating in suspected vehicle damage. This incident raises the question: what are the sanctions for drivers who obstruct an ambulance on duty? As priority vehicles, ambulances on duty may also receive exemptions from traffic lights while still considering the safety of other road users. Road users who obstruct an ambulance on duty may face criminal sanctions. These provisions are regulated in Article 287 paragraph 4 of the Road Traffic and Transportation Law. The regulation states that drivers who violate the provisions regarding the primary rights of priority vehicles may be imprisoned for a maximum of one month or fined a maximum of Rp250,000. Additionally, if the act of obstructing the ambulance is done in a way that endangers lives or property, the perpetrator may be charged under Article 311. The penalty is a maximum of one year’s imprisonment or a fine of up to Rp3 million. Nevertheless, the Head of the National Police Traffic Corps emphasises that empty ambulances carrying out duties must still be given priority. This is because the public cannot ascertain whether the ambulance is heading to a patient location or carrying out other emergency needs.