Slow Down, Move Over Laws in Canada – What Fleets and Drivers Must Know

Every year in Canada, roadside workers are seriously injured or killed by passing vehicles that fail to slow down or move over.

Tow truck operators, snow plow drivers, roadside technicians, highway maintenance crews, and emergency responders all work just feet from live traffic. That’s why every province has enacted Slow Down, Move Over laws — designed to protect people working on the roadside.

At FleetSafe Canada, we train drivers and fleets to understand, respect, and follow these laws to prevent tragic, preventable collisions.

What Is the Slow Down, Move Over Law?

Across Canada, these laws require drivers to:

• Slow down when approaching a stopped emergency or roadside vehicle displaying flashing lights

• Move over into the next lane whenever it is safe to do so

These laws create a buffer zone between traffic and workers who may be outside their vehicles performing roadside duties.

Who Is Protected?

Slow Down, Move Over laws apply when drivers encounter:

• Tow trucks and recovery vehicles

• Snow plows and winter maintenance fleets

• Police, fire, and paramedics

• Roadside assistance vehicles

• Utility and construction crews

• Highway maintenance vehicles

If a vehicle is stopped roadside with warning lights activated, drivers are legally required to slow down and give them space.

Slow Down, Move Over Laws Across Canada

Every province has enacted these protections, including:

Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador.

While fines and speed reductions vary, the purpose is the same:

Protect roadside workers and prevent deadly collisions.

Why This Matters for Fleets

Fleet drivers are among the most likely to encounter roadside emergency situations — whether assisting a breakdown, plowing snow, responding to incidents, or working construction zones.

Failing to comply with Slow Down, Move Over laws can lead to:

• Serious injury or death

• Heavy fines

• CVOR and safety record damage

• Liability and insurance exposure

FleetSafe Canada helps organizations reduce these risks through:

• Driver training

• Safety audits

• Post-incident coaching

• Fleet compliance programs

Safety Starts with Training

Warning lights and vehicle markings help — but driver behaviour is what saves lives.

At FleetSafe Canada, we train drivers to:

• Recognize roadside hazards

• Understand provincial Move Over laws

• React safely in real-world traffic situations

• Protect fellow workers and the public

Our mission is simple:

Every driver gets home safely.

Work With FleetSafe Canada

FleetSafe Canada provides professional fleet safety services across Ontario and Canada, including:

• Driver evaluations

• Road tests

• Post-collision reviews

• Safety training

• CVOR and compliance consulting

👉 Learn more at fleetsafecanada.ca