SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER In Canada, several provinces and one territory have passed a so-called Move Over law aimed at protecting roadside workers. In the provinces and territory where such legislation is in effect, as soon as a driver sees a vehicle stopped at the side of the road with its emergency lights on, he or she must slow down and, if possible, vacate the lane next to the stopped vehicle. Drivers who fail to abide by the law face penalties. PROVINCES AND TERRITORIES Alberta Nova Scotia Yukon British Columbia Nunavut Manitoba Ontario New Brunswick Prince Edward Island Newfoundland and Labrador Quebec Northwest Territories Saskatchewan
Alberta Sections 115 (2) (p.1) and 115 (2)(t) of the Traffic Safety Slow to 60 km/h or to the posted speed limit, whichever is lower. Public utility emergency vehicle 1 to 15 km/h above the limit: fine of between $114 and $178 plus 2 demerit 16 to 30 km/h above the limit: fine of between $206 and $354 plus 3 demerit 31 to 50 km/h above the limit: fine of between $374 and $702 plus 4 demerit More than 50 km/h above the limit: court proceedings plus 6 demerit British Columbia Section 47.02 of the Motor Vehicle Slow to 70 km/h if the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or more. Slow to 40 km/h if the posted speed limit is less than 80 km/h. vehicle if it is safe to do so. Section 47.01 of the Motor Vehicle Conservation Officer Service vehicle Highway inspection vehicle Ministry of Forests and Range vehicle Fine of $148 (if paid within 30 days) or $173 (if paid after 30 days) plus 3 demerit 2
Manitoba Section 109.1 (2.1) (3) of the Highway Traffic Section 109.1 (1) (2) of the Highway Traffic Fine of $292.65 plus 2 demerit Slow down and proceed with caution. Pass the vehicle in question only if it is safe to do so. Move over one lane if it is safe to do so. Emergency vehicle (vehicle used by a police department, vehicle used by a fire department, ambulance) Designated vehicle (roadside assistance vehicle, government enforcement officer's vehicle) Vehicle specified in the regulations New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Northwest Territories Section 241 (2) of the Motor Vehicles When passing within 120 m from the stationary vehicle, slow to a maximum speed equal to half the posted speed limit. Article 1 of the Motor Vehicles Emergency vehicle (ambulance, firefighting vehicle) No set fine, but offender must appear in court. 3
Nova Scotia Sections 106E and 106F of the Motor Vehicle Slow to 60 km/h or to the posted speed limit, whichever is lower. vehicle if it is safe to do so. Section 106D of the Motor Vehicle Department of Natural Resources vehicle Vehicle being used by a conservation officer Motor vehicle inspector s vehicle Fine of between $340.21 and $685.21 for a first offence. 1 to 15 km/h above the limit: 2 demerit 16 to 30 km/h above the limit: 3 demerit 31 km/h or more above the limit: 4 demerit Nunavut Ontario Section 159 (2) (3) of the Highway Traffic Section 159 (11) of the Highway Traffic Article 159 (6) of the Highway Traffic Slow down and proceed with caution. and Move into another lane if it is safe to do so. Public utility emergency vehicle Ministry of Transportation vehicle Ministry of Natural Resources vehicle Ministry of the Environment vehicle First offence: fine of no less than $400 and no more than $2,000 plus 3 demerit Subsequent offences: fine of no less than $1,000 and no more than $4,000 plus prison term of no more than six months, or only one of these penalties. 4
Prince Edward Island Section 115.1 of the Highway Traffic Slow to a maximum speed equal to half the posted speed limit. vehicle if it is safe to do so. Section 1 (e.2) of the Highway Traffic Emergency vehicle (ambulance, vehicle used by a fire department, vehicle used by a police department) Fine of between $200 and $1,000. Quebec Section 406.1 of the Highway Safety Code (comes into force August 5, 2012) Slow to a reasonable and prudent speed. and vehicle if it is possible and safe to do so. Emergency vehicle (vehicle used by a police department, vehicle used by a fire department, ambulance) Road maintenance vehicle with its yellow arrow light on Section 510 of the Highway Safety Code Fine of between $200 and $300 plus 4 demerit 5
Saskatchewan Sections 204 (1) and 205 (1) of the Traffic Safety Slow to 60 km/h or less except when on a divided highway and on the opposite roadway from the vehicle in question. Emergency vehicle Road maintenance vehicle Fine of $140 plus $2 per kilometre in excess of the 60 km/h limit. For drivers travelling at more than 90 km/h, the fine increases by $4 per kilometre in excess of the 60 km/h limit. plus 3 demerit Yukon 6