Slow Down, Move Over – Because No One Likes a Close Call

Picture this: You’re cruising down the highway, tunes on, coffee in hand, when suddenly—flashing lights! A tow truck, a police car, or maybe even a brave garbage collector doing their job inches from speeding traffic. In British Columbia, there’s a simple rule: Slow down and move over when you see flashing red, blue, or yellow lights on the roadside.

This law isn’t just about being polite—it’s about keeping roadside workers alive. And it applies to a lot of people: maintenance crews, utility workers, police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, commercial vehicle safety officers, land surveyors, animal control officers, and even the folks picking up your trash. Basically, if someone’s out there in a high-vis vest doing an important job, they deserve a little space.

The Rules—Yes, They’re the Law (in British Columbia)

When you see those flashing lights, here’s what you need to do:

• If the speed limit is 80 km/h or higher → Slow down to 70 km/h
• If the speed limit is under 80 km/h → Slow down to 40 km/h
• On multi-lane roads? Move into the next lane if it’s safe. If not, at least slow down to a crawl and give them as much room as possible.

It’s a small adjustment that makes a huge difference for the safety of those working inches away from high-speed traffic.

What Happens If You Ignore This?

Aside from dirty looks from everyone around you, ignoring this rule could cost you. A $173 fine and 3 penalty points might not seem like much, but those points add up fast. Rack up too many, and you could find yourself facing a driving prohibition—which means no road trips, no weekend getaways, and definitely no excuses for being late to work.

So, next time you see those flashing lights, do the right thing: slow down, move over, and make sure everyone gets home safe—including you.

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