What Is the Move Over Law in Ontario?
Ontario's Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down and, where possible, move into an adjacent lane when passing stopped emergency vehicles, police cars, tow trucks, or roadside assistance vehicles with their lights flashing. Failing to comply carries a fine and demerit points.
Key Facts
- Police vehicles
- Fire trucks
- Ambulances
- Tow trucks (with amber lights flashing)
- Ministry of Transportation vehicles
In this article
What the Move Over Law Requires
Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, when you approach a stopped emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance), tow truck, or road maintenance vehicle with its amber or red and blue lights flashing, you must: slow down to a safe speed, and if the road has two or more lanes in your direction, move over into a lane that is not immediately adjacent to the stopped vehicle. Both conditions apply together when possible.
Which Vehicles Are Covered
The Move Over Law applies to a wider range of vehicles than many drivers expect.
- Police vehicles
- Fire trucks
- Ambulances
- Tow trucks (with amber lights flashing)
- Ministry of Transportation vehicles
- Road maintenance and construction vehicles with flashing amber lights
What to Do on a Single-Lane Road
If you are on a two-lane road and there is no adjacent lane to move into, you are still required to slow down to a speed that is safe and reasonable given the circumstances. The law does not require you to stop completely if it is not practical, but you must reduce speed significantly.
Penalties for Not Complying
Failing to slow down and move over is a fineable offence. The fine is $490 for a first conviction. Repeat offences carry escalating fines and possible licence suspension. The law is strictly enforced because workers and officers on the roadside are at serious risk from passing vehicles. Ontario Police regularly run Move Over Law enforcement campaigns.
How This Relates to Road Tests
The Move Over Law is not typically tested in a road test scenario since examiners are unlikely to stage a stopped emergency vehicle. However, understanding it demonstrates safe and responsible driving habits. Road test examiners assess whether you respond appropriately to all roadway conditions, including unusual situations.
Related Questions
How Do You Yield to Emergency Vehicles in Ontario?
Under section 159 of Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, you must pull to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens or flashing lights. On multi-lane roads, you must also slow to 60 km/h and move over when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with lights flashing.
Read answerWhat Is Careless Driving in Ontario?
Careless driving in Ontario is a catch-all offence under the Highway Traffic Act for driving without due care and attention. The fine ranges from $400 to $2,000 and carries six demerit points. If careless driving causes bodily harm, it can result in jail time of up to two years.
Read answerWhat Are the Right of Way Rules in Ontario?
Right of way in Ontario is determined by the type of intersection, who arrived first, and posted signals. At uncontrolled intersections, yield to the vehicle on your right. At four-way stops, the first to arrive goes first. Pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks always have right of way.
Read answerReady to Start Driving?
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