The Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding motorists of the importance of complying with Ontario’s Move Over Law to help protect emergency responders working on the roadside.
This morning, shortly after 7:00 a.m., a Northumberland OPP officer had stopped a vehicle for speeding on Highway 401 when a second officer attended the location to assist. While at the scene, the assisting officer observed motorists failing to comply with Ontario’s Move Over Law as they passed the traffic stop. Two drivers were subsequently stopped and issued Provincial Offence Notices for failing to move over for an emergency vehicle.
The incident serves as an important reminder that Ontario’s Move Over La w exists to protect police officers, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck operators, and other emergency personnel working on or near roadways. Even routine traffic stops can place first responders just meters from passing traffic, making compliance with the law critical for everyone’s safety.
Ontario’s Move Over Law is outlined in Section 159 of the Highway Traffic Act and requires drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing emergency lights activated to slow down and proceed with caution. On roadways with two or more lanes travelling in the same direction, motorists must move into another lane, if it can be done safely, leaving a lane between their vehicle and the stopped emergency vehicle.
Drivers who fail to comply face significant penalties. Upon conviction, a first offence carries a fine ranging from $400 to $2,000, three demerit points, and a possible driver’s license suspension of up to two years. Subsequent offences withi n five years can result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, possible imprisonment of up to six months, and a license suspension of up to two years.
Moving over is a simple action that can save lives. Whether it’s a police officer conducting a traffic stop, a paramedic assisting a patient, or a tow truck operator helping a stranded motorist, giving emergency personnel the space they need to work safely is both a legal requirement and a responsibility shared by all road users.
For more information on Ontario’s Move Over Law, visit www.ontario.ca/page/driving-near-emergency-vehicles
The Northumberland OPP encourages all motorists to remain alert, slow down, move over when safe to do so, and help ensure everyone makes it home safely.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
