Keep Me Safe
Reduced Speed Past Emergency Vehicles - Q&A
Why is this law necessary?
Police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other emergency personnel are put at risk everyday when stopped on the road or roadside. This law will help protect them.What emergency vehicles are included under this law?
Currently the emergency vehicles to which this law refers are as follows:Ambulances
Police vehicles
Fire department vehicles
Department of Natural Resources fire vehicles
Fire chiefs' or deputy fire chiefs' vehicles
Conservation officers' vehicles
Motor vehicle inspectors' vehicles
Motor carrier inspectors' vehicles
What should I do if I see an emergency responder pulled over with its emergency lights flashing?
- On a road with two or more lanes in your direction, slow down to 60k/h or follow the speed limit if it's less and move over into a lane further away from the stopped vehicle if you can do so safely.
- On a road with one lane of travel for your direction, slow down to 60km/h or follow the speed limit if it's less and pass the emergency vehicle with caution.
Does the emergency vehicle have to be at an emergency scene in order for the law to apply?
No. If the emergency vehicle is stopped on or at the side of the road with its lights flashing, you must follow the slow down and move over rules above.What if the emergency responder is stopped on the other side of a divided highway?
You do not need to slow down or move over if the emergency responder is on the other side of a median.What is the penalty if I do not follow the law?
Fines are doubled for speeding past a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing. The fines for not slowing to the designated speed or not moving over range from $340.21 to $685.21 for a first offence.Isn't slowing down to 60 km/h dangerous on a highway?
Drivers must take into consideration traffic and weather conditions when slowing down.What if an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing and sirens on approaches my vehicle while I'm driving?
Nothing has changed. Emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens have the right of way.As the emergency vehicle approaches from ahead or behind, move to the right edge or curb of the road, stop completely and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed or until you are directed to move by a peace officer.