New requirements when driving near stopped work vehicles

Starting January 1, 2027, drivers must slow down and move over for certain stopped work vehicles with flashing amber lights, the same way you do for emergency vehicles and tow trucks. Learn more about this new requirement.

Types of emergency and work vehicles

When driving, watch for emergency vehicles, tow trucks and certain work vehicles displaying flashing amber lights, whether they are driving or stopped.

Emergency vehicles include:

  • police cars
  • firetrucks
  • ambulances

Work vehicles include:

  • highway maintenance vehicles
  • public utility vehicles, such as:
    • electricity
    • water
    • natural gas
    • telecommunications
  • waste collection vehicles (garbage, recycling or organic waste trucks)
  • roadside assistance vehicles (like CAA or other providers)

When an emergency vehicle approaches

Follow these steps to allow the vehicle to pass by:

  1. Slow down

  2. Signal

  3. Move to the right side of the road, clear of any intersection

  4. Stop

When the emergency vehicle has passed, check to make sure the way is clear and signal before merging back into traffic.

There may be situations where you will need to move your vehicle out of the way. For instance:

  • on highways, pull as close as you can to the right side of the road but don't drive on or block the shoulder lane
  • in an intersection, do not make a left turn. Proceed straight through and then pull to the right and stop
  • on a one-way street, you can pull to the left side of the road if you are unable to move to the right
  • in a roundabout, leave the roundabout at your intended exit and drive past the traffic island before pulling over to the right

When approaching a stopped tow truck, emergency or work vehicle

When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck or work vehicle with flashing amber lights:

  1. Slow down

  2. Pass with caution

  3. If the road has two or more lanes, you must leave a lane of space between you and the stopped vehicle, if you can do so safely

Penalties

In addition to emergency vehicles and tow trucks, these penalties apply to stopped work vehicles with flashing amber lights as of January 1, 2027.

If you fail to slow down, move over or allow an emergency vehicle to pass, you can face these penalties:

First offence:

  • fines ranging from $400 to $2,000
  • 3 demerit points if convicted
  • possible suspension of driver's licence for up to 2 years

Subsequent offences (within 5 years):

  • fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000
  • 3 demerit points if convicted
  • possible jail time of up to 6 months
  • possible suspension of driver's licence for up to 2 years

It is also illegal to follow within 150 metres of a fire vehicle or ambulance responding to a call.