Slow down and move over

By the end of this topic you can

• You can recognize stopped vehicles that trigger slow down and move over rules.
• You can move one lane away safely on a multi-lane road.
• You can slow to the right speed when you cannot change lanes.
• You can respond correctly to an emergency vehicle coming towards or behind you with lights and siren.

What you need to know and understand

• In British Columbia the rule covers any vehicle stopped beside the road with flashing red, blue or yellow lights.
• In BC, slow to 70 km/h where the limit is 80 km/h or more, and to 40 km/h where it is under 80 km/h.
• In Alberta, if you cannot move to the far lane, slow to 60 km/h or the posted limit, whichever is lower.
• Ontario requires drivers to slow down and pass with caution near stopped emergency vehicles, and near tow trucks and road work vehicles with amber lights flashing, and to move over a lane where safe.
• In Alberta, speeding fines double when workers or a stopped roadside vehicle with flashing lights are present.
• Failing to slow down and move over brings fines and demerit points; BC lists a ticket of $173 and 3 penalty points.
• For a moving emergency vehicle with lights or siren, pull to the right and stop clear of intersections.

What to do when you see flashing lights ahead

1. Spot the lights early and ease off the accelerator.
2. Check mirrors and your blind spot.
3. If there is another lane going your way and it is safe, signal and move into the lane further from the stopped vehicle.
4. If you cannot move over, slow down to the speed your province requires.
5. Pass carefully, watching for people and doors on the roadside.
6. Return to your normal speed only once you are well past.

How the rules differ between provinces

Other provinces have their own versions. When you are unsure, slowing right down and giving as much room as you safely can is always the right choice.

• British Columbia: any vehicle stopped with flashing red, blue or yellow lights, including police, fire, ambulance, tow, maintenance and utility vehicles. Slow to 70 km/h in 80 km/h or higher zones, 40 km/h in lower zones.
• Alberta: police, ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks and maintenance trucks, with snowplows covered too. Move to the far lane, or slow to 60 km/h or the posted limit if lower.
• Ontario: slow down and pass with caution near stopped emergency vehicles with red or red-and-blue lights, and near tow trucks and road work vehicles with amber lights (work vehicles were added in 2024); move over a lane if it is safe.

When the emergency vehicle is moving

If an emergency vehicle comes towards you or up behind you with lights flashing or a siren sounding, pull as close as you can to the right edge of the road and stop. Stay clear of intersections. Wait until it has passed, then check traffic before moving off.

Common mistakes

• Changing lanes suddenly without a mirror and blind spot check. Plan the move early.
• Slowing only slightly. Learn your province's required speed and actually reach it.
• Ignoring tow trucks and road crew vehicles. Many provinces include them.
• Speeding back up too soon, while people may still be on the road.

Test yourself: Slow down and move over

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Slow Down, Move Over Laws in Canada