What Is the Move Over Law in Ontario?
Also known as Section 159 (2) and (3) of Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, the Move Over law in Ontario states that drivers are required to slow down and move over to another lane when they approach emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Emergency vehicles under this law include police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, and tow trucks with flashing amber lights, as well as some roadside assistance and service vehicles.
This law is important because it protects first responders and emergency workers on the side of the road. It applies whenever a driver approaches a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights on the same side of the road.
If you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights, you must do the following:
- Slow down: Slow down to less than the posted speed limit and move to another lane, if this is possible and safe to do.
- Signal to other drivers: Use your turn signal to let other drivers on the road know that you’re about to change lanes.
- Move carefully: Move to the right side of the road, making sure that you’re clear of any intersections. There should be a lane of space between your vehicle and the emergency vehicle.
- Slow down: If you cannot change lanes safely, slow down and proceed with caution while passing the vehicle. Alternatively, you can stop until the emergency vehicle passes your vehicle.
- Get back on the road: Check to make sure the emergency vehicle has passed. Once it has and the road is clear, signal again and carefully merge your vehicle into traffic.
Move Over Law Ontario Penalties
The penalties for violating the Move Over law in Ontario will depend on whether it’s your first offence or if you’ve violated the law repeatedly. The penalties are as follows:
First offence:
- A ticket fine ranging from $400 to $2,000
- Three demerit points on your Ontario driving record
- Possible suspension of your driver’s licence for up to two years
For any succeeding offences committed within five years:
- Three demerit points on your Ontario driving record
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000
- Possible imprisonment for up to six months
- Possible suspension of your driver’s licence for up to two years
Check your driving record to see how many incidents you’ve had in the past years and how they may affect your insurance rates. Note that demerit points generally remain active for two years, although convictions can remain on your driving record and be visible to insurers for several years.
Got a ticket in Ontario? Learn how to resolve it in our guide.
Does the Move Over Law Affect My Ontario Car Insurance?
Yes, it does. If you’ve been penalized for violating the Ontario Move Over law, this results in tickets, fines, and demerit points.
All of these go on your Ontario driving record, which your insurer looks at to assess the risk of insuring you. The more violations and demerits on your record, the likelier you are to be considered a high-risk driver – and the higher your car insurance rates.
Emergency Vehicles on Highway Rules by Province
Every Canadian province has a different version of a Move Over law to protect emergency vehicles. To avoid getting demerits and affecting your driving record, always check the traffic laws of the place where you’re driving.
Here are the different Move Over laws in other parts of Canada:
- Alberta: Drivers are required to slow down to a speed of 60 km/h or less if the speed limit is lower in the area they’re passing. Drivers must also move over to a lane if it is safe and possible.
- British Columbia: When approaching an emergency vehicle, drivers have to slow down to 70 km/h if they’re in an area with a speed limit of 80 km/h. If they’re driving along a road with a lower limit, they’re required to drop to a speed of 40 km/h.
- Manitoba: Drivers need to slow down to 40 km/h or slower if the area where the emergency vehicle is located has a speed limit of more than 40 km/h but less than 79 km/h. If the speed limit in the area is 80 km/h, drivers should slow down to 60 km/h.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Drivers approaching an emergency vehicle travelling in the same direction must slow down to 30 km/h below the speed limit of that area. They must then stop if possible or move to another lane if there’s one available.
- New Brunswick: Drivers must slow down to half the speed limit of the area, then move to another lane if it’s safe to do so.
- Northwest Territories: There is no suggested speed limit in the Northwest Territories when passing emergency vehicles. However, drivers are still required to slow down and leave space between their vehicle and the emergency vehicle. They are also required to change lanes or stop their vehicle if necessary.
- Nova Scotia: Drivers must slow down to 60 km/h or follow the speed limit if it’s lower than 60 km/h in the area. Drivers on roads with two or more lanes should move over safely and pass the emergency vehicle, if possible.
- Nunavut: Nunavut doesn’t have posted speed limits, but drivers are still advised to give space and make way for emergency vehicles. Drivers should pull over to the right as much as they can, if this is safe and possible. They should also be prepared to stop if necessary, but should not block intersections.
- PEI: Drivers who see emergency vehicles are required to slow down to half the area’s speed limit and move over to another lane if it’s safe to do so.
- Quebec: Quebec’s “corridor de sécurité” law requires drivers to slow down and move over when passing emergency or service vehicles with flashing lights.
- Saskatchewan: Drivers are required to drop their speed to at least 60 km/h to give way to all emergency vehicles.
- Yukon: Yukon doesn’t have a Move Over law, but there’s a strong, continuing advocacy for slowing down and giving way for emergency vehicles. Drivers’ handbooks continually highlight that emergency vehicles have the right of way in Yukon, so it’s still best to slow down and change lanes if possible.
How to Move Over Safely on Different Types of Roads
Depending on the type of road you’re driving on, there are different ways you can safely give way to emergency vehicles. Here are some tips for how to do so on different road types in Ontario:
- On multi-lane highways
- Slow down, signal, then carefully turn to the right.
- Move over to the rightmost lane if possible, as this will make it easier for other drivers to see you. Don’t move to the shoulder.
- If you can’t move, stay in your lane and drive carefully and slowly.
- At an intersection
- If the emergency vehicle is approaching behind your vehicle, proceed through the intersection, pull to the right side, and stop.
- Don’t block the intersection.
- On a one-way road
- Signal, then pull to the left side of the road if possible, and stop.
- On a two-way road
- Signal, then pull your vehicle as close to the right edge of the road.
- Make sure your vehicle is clear of any intersections, then stop.
How to React When Emergency Vehicles Are Present
Here are tips for reacting responsibly in the presence of an emergency vehicle:
- Act with caution: Approach emergency vehicles carefully and leave them plenty of space on the road. Once they’ve passed your vehicle, double-check to make sure the way is clear before merging into traffic.
- Be alert: Keep your eyes on the road and avoid getting distracted while driving. Check all your car mirrors, and check on your vehicle’s front and sides.
- Use signals: Use your signal when you’re planning to change lanes to move over for an emergency vehicle.
- Stay on the road: Don’t drive on the shoulder or block the shoulder on freeways.
- Remain calm: Focus on driving safely and giving enough space to both fellow drivers and the emergency vehicle.
- If you’re in heavy traffic, stop: Don’t try to move over. Just stay in your lane and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass by.
- Avoid sudden movements: Don’t make sudden lane changes or hit the brakes. Before changing your driving direction and speed, check road conditions and any blind spots you may have while driving to avoid accidents.
- Do not follow the emergency vehicle: It’s against the law to follow a fire truck or ambulance responding to a call within 150 metres.
Do I Need to Follow the Move Over Law in a Roundabout?
No, you don’t have to follow the Move Over law when you’re driving on a roundabout. However, you’ll need to yield to traffic on your right side and proceed with caution while entering and exiting the roundabout.
How Can I Fight a Move Over Law Ticket in Ontario?
If you’ve been pulled over and issued a ticket for violating the Move Over law, there are a few things you can do to successfully fight it and avoid fines and demerits.
Start by finding a lawyer who specializes in traffic violations and consult them about your situation. They’ll be able to advise you if you have a strong chance of successfully fighting the ticket, as well as other courses of action you should take.
The second thing you should do is gather as much evidence as you can. The more evidence you have to support your case, the stronger your chances of avoiding a fine and demerits. Get a copy of the police report from the officer who issued your ticket, as well as eyewitness testimonies from your passengers or other drivers who may have seen what happened.
Are Tow Trucks Considered Emergency Vehicles Under the Move Over Law?
Yes, tow trucks are considered emergency vehicles under the Move Over law since 2015. If you see a tow truck with flashing amber lights on the side of the road, the Move Over law requires you to slow down and proceed with caution in Ontario. Failing to do so with a tow truck will subject you to demerit points and a fine.
Key Advice from MyChoice
- Slow down as soon as you see flashing lights on the roadside. Giving space to emergency and tow vehicles helps keep roadside workers safe.
- Signal early and move over gradually. This helps avoid sudden braking or dangerous lane changes.
- Stay alert near accident scenes. Extra caution can help you avoid secondary crashes, which often happen near roadside emergencies.