Northumberland OPP are reminding motorists that giving emergency crews space to work isn’t just common courtesy, it’s the law.
The reminder follows an enforcement incident Monday morning, when officers conducting a traffic stop on Highway 401 observed two drivers failing to comply with Ontario’s Move Over Law.
Police say the incident began shortly after 7 a.m., when an officer stopped a vehicle for speeding. A second officer arrived to assist, and while both cruisers remained at the roadside with emergency lights activated, two passing motorists failed to slow down and move over as required. Both drivers were stopped and issued Provincial Offence Notices.
Ontario’s Move Over Law requires drivers approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights to slow down and proceed with caution. On roads with two or more lanes travelling in the same direction, motorists must also change lanes when it is safe to do so, leaving an empty lane between their vehicle and the emergency vehicle.
The law is intended to protect police officers, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck operators and other emergency responders, who often work just metres from moving traffic.
A first conviction carries fines ranging from $400 to $2,000, three demerit points, and the possibility of a driver’s licence suspension of up to two years. Repeat offences within five years can result in even steeper penalties, including higher fines, possible jail time and licence suspensions.
Northumberland OPP are urging all drivers to remain alert, slow down and move over whenever they encounter emergency vehicles stopped along Ontario roads.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
