Emergency Service personnel find themselves stopped on or beside roads on a daily basis.  They are there for a multitude of reasons but all necessary in the service of their jobs.  A police officer may have just pulled over a car related to a crime that just happened.  A fireman may be roadside to deal with a brush fire.  A paramedic may be treating a crash victim.  A tow truck driver may be pulling a car out of the ditch.  Regardless of the reason, the safety of those people is put at risk each and every time they step out of their vehicle.                                   

Earlier this year a provision under the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations was added.  It provides for the safety of emergency personnel stopped on the roadway and gives clear direction to drivers passing by.

Division 47 of the Regulations identifies that an official vehicle also includes Conservation Officer vehicles, Ministry of Forests vehicles and Park Ranger vehicles.

When one of these vehicles is stopped with its flashing lights on (red, blue or yellow), driver’s must slow down. 

• In a speed zone of less than 80km/hr, drivers must slow to 40km/hr.
• In a speed zone faster than 80km/hr, drivers must slow to 70km/hr.

Additionally, if a driver is in the lane next to the official vehicle or in the same lane as the official vehicle, the driver must move over into another lane of the same direction, unless it is unsafe to do so or there are no other lanes to move into. 

A $173 ticket could result if drivers don’t follow this law.

Saanich Police appreciate the care that drivers take when passing emergency vehicles.  We, along with you, want to be safe at work and get home to those that are important to us.