Ottawa Driver Hit With Fine After Failing to Move for Emergency Vehicle
Ottawa police have fined a driver for failing to move over for an emergency vehicle, shining a spotlight on a traffic law that too many drivers still ignore.
The infraction falls under Ontario's Move Over law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over — or stop if necessary — when approaching emergency vehicles with their lights and sirens activated. That includes police cruisers, ambulances, fire trucks, and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road.
What the Law Actually Requires
Under the Highway Traffic Act, Ontario drivers must:
- Slow down to a safe speed when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights
- Move over to an adjacent lane when it's safe to do so
- Come to a complete stop if the road doesn't allow for a lane change
Failing to comply can result in a fine ranging from $400 to $2,000 for a first offence, plus three demerit points on your licence. Repeat offences can carry even steeper penalties and potential licence suspension.
Why It Matters
First responders and roadside workers face serious risks every time they stop on or near a busy road. Ottawa sees hundreds of emergency calls daily, meaning paramedics, firefighters, and police officers are regularly working in active traffic. A driver who doesn't move over puts those lives at risk.
Ottawa Paramedic Service and Ottawa Fire Services have both previously spoken out about close calls involving passing vehicles, urging the public to take the law seriously rather than treating it as optional.
A Reminder to Ottawa Drivers
Spring is around the corner, and with more road construction season ramping up across the city — from the Queensway to local arterials — encounters with stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles are only going to increase. Ottawa Police Service has indicated that Move Over enforcement is an ongoing priority, not just a one-time blitz.
If you see flashing lights ahead, the rule is simple: slow down, move over, and give them space. It takes a few extra seconds and could save a life.
Drivers who aren't sure about the specifics of the Move Over law can review the Highway Traffic Act or check the Ontario government's road safety resources.
Source: CityNews Ottawa via Google News
