Skip to content

Slow down, move over or get fined

Motorists are required to slow down and move over when passing parked emergency vehicles that have their lights flashing.

Terrace RCMP and West Pacific Region Traffic Services are reminding motorists to slow down and move over when passing parked emergency vehicles that have their lights flashing.

"As the warm weather approaches so does the amount of traffic, road work, and law enforcement on the highways. We have had some very close calls. In one instance the passing driver took the side mirrors right off the police car and the vehicle that it had pulled over. Thankfully nobody was hurt," says Const. Kevin Weeres, NCO i/c West Pacific Region Traffic Services.

The law requires drivers to slow 70 km/h on highways where the speed limit is 80 km/h or higher, and to 40 km/h where the limit is less than 80 km/h, when approaching a stopped official vehicle that has lights flashing.

If there is another lane going in the same direction, drivers must also move into that lane if it is safe to do so.

An official vehicle is police, fire, ambulance and towing vehicles, as well as vehicles used by commercial vehicle safety and enforcement personnel, passenger transportation inspectors, conservation officers, park rangers, and special provincial constables employed in the Ministry of Forests and Range.

Drivers failing to slow down and move over could face a fine of $173 and three penalty points.

Expect to see your local police out in the near future targeting drivers that fail to slow down and move over.

For more information go to Government of BC, BC RCMP, and video.

If you have information about crime contact the Terrace RCMP at 250-638-7400 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-800-222-TIPS, online at www.terracecrimestoppers.ca or by texting TERRACE plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).

If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.