Photo courtesy of: Ontario Provincial Police
Ontario Provincial Police are reminding motorists to obey Ontario’s Move Over Law.
Police say on Monday along the 401 in Northumberland, an officer had stopped a vehicle for speeding when a second officer arrived to assist. While at the scene, the assisting officer observed several motorists failing to move over for the stopped police vehicles with emergency lights activated.
Two drivers were stopped and issued Provincial Offence Notices for failing to comply with the Move Over Law.
The OPP says the legislation is designed to protect police officers, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck operators and other emergency personnel working on or near roadways. Officers note that even routine traffic stops can place first responders only metres from passing traffic, making compliance with the law essential.
Under Section 159 of Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights must slow down and proceed with caution. On roads with two or more lanes travelling in the same direction, motorists are required to change lanes, when it is safe to do so, leaving one lane between their vehicle and the emergency vehicle.
Police say the penalties for failing to move over are significant. A first conviction carries fines ranging from $400 to $2,000, three demerit points and a possible driver’s licence suspension of up to two years. Subsequent convictions within five years can result in fines between $1,000 and $4,000, possible jail time of up to six months and a licence suspension of up to two years.
