When an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or maintenance vehicle, including snowplows, are stopped, these vehicles will activate their flashing lights. While these flashing lights are activated, motorists are required to slow down and move over to another lane whenever possible.
It is critical that drivers recognize the danger present to workers tending to emergencies and other work on the side of the road. Moving to another lane when safe to do so is always best practice.
Penalties for failing to slow to 60 km/h, or the posted speed limit if lower, in the lane adjacent to an emergency vehicle can result in a $243 fine and three demerits.
Fines for speeding while passing an emergency vehicle or road service vehicle while stopped on the side of the road with the flashing lights activated are doubled and can range from $163 to $991. A mandatory court appearance is required for any motorist travelling 51km/h or more over the speed limit.
“Keeping Alberta’s roadways safe and the professionals that service our highways is everyone’s responsibility,”