It’s important to move over for emergency vehicles, but did you know that it’s the law? The fail to move over for an emergency vehicle is an important law aimed at keeping police and other emergency responders safe.
In Ontario, the Highway Traffic Act requires drivers when approaching any emergency vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing in the same direction of travel, to slow down, proceed with caution and when possible move to the furthermost lane available away from the emergency vehicle.
Failing to respond to an emergency vehicle for a first offence can result in fines starting from $400 to $2,000 and three demerit points. A second offence results in harsher penalties.
If you have been charged with failure to move over for an emergency vehicle, a lawyer or a traffic specialist can help you navigate the law and eliminate or minimize the potential consequences to protect your insurance rates and driving record.
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Emergency Vehicles and the Law
Emergency flashing lights should be taken seriously. Failing to move
over for an emergency vehicle can result in fines and demerit points on your
driving record upon conviction.
The Highway Traffic Act requires drivers to slow down and proceed with
caution when approaching any emergency vehicle that is stopped with its red, or
red and blue, lights flashing in the same direction of travel. According to the
law, drivers are required to reduce the speed of the vehicle and proceed with
caution.
Some tips to keep in mind, when responding to an emergency vehicle:
- Do not make sudden lane changes or slam on the
breaks;
- Consider road conditions, check surrounding
traffic and use mirrors to look in blind spots;
- Signal and brake early.
Penalties and fines resulting from failing to move over for an
emergency vehicle range between $400 to $2,000 in addition to three demerit
points for a first offence. For a second offence, fines range between $1,000 to
$4,000 with a potential driver’s licence suspension for up to two years and
possible jail time.
A Traffic Ticket Lawyer Can Help
Failing to move over for an emergency vehicle can affect
your insurance, bank account and driving record. A lawyer can help evaluate
your case and in many instances work to achieve a desirable outcome.
A
lawyer provides you with
expert advice on how to address your ticket regarding a failure to move over
for an emergency vehicle
ticket and will provide you with a plan to protect
your driving record.