The Lanark County Detachment of The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wishes to remind drivers that emergency responders regularly face dangerous and difficult situations as they go about their daily duties serving and protecting our communities.
OPP officers are committed to ensuring road safety at all times and in all types of road and weather conditions but we need the public’s help in doing so.
Drivers must remember when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated, in the same direction of travel, either in a lane or on the shoulder of a road or highway, to slow down and pass with caution. If the road has two or more lanes you MUST move over into another lane, if it can be done in safety.
Sections 159(2) and 159(3) of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act requires all motorists approaching a stopped emergency vehicle to slow down and pass with caution. Drivers who fail to comply with this law are subject to the following penalties under the Highway Traffic Act.
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1st Offence – $400.00 to $2000.00 fine plus 3 demerit points.
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2nd Offence – (within 5years) – $1000.00 to $4000.00 fine plus possible jail time up to 6 months and a possible suspension of their drivers licence for up to 2 years.
The OPP wishes to thank motorists for doing their part in respecting the safety and lives of all emergency responders as they continue to keep you safe on Ontario highways.