Prince George, B.C. –It is January 1^st and that means  there is a new  rule that will come into effect today.  Effective today, the  “slow down and move over” regulation  in B.C. is expanded.  The regulation has been expanded  so that  when  any vehicle  is off to the side of the road and it is displaying a flashing red, blue or yellow light,  drivers  MUST  slow down  as they  drive past that vehicle.

Initially the rule only applied if the vehicle with the flashing lights was considered an “official” vehicle.  Extending the rule to cover all  vehicles  displaying a flashing, red, blue or yellow light, means drivers no longer have to try and  determine if the vehicle is “official”. The regulation is  intended to protect those who are  doing  roadside work.

Under the regulation, drivers must slow their speed to 70km/h when in an 80km/h or over zone, and 40km/h when in an under 80km/h zone.

If travelling on a multi-lane road, the driver must move into another lane to pass where safe to do so. Failing to adjust your speed appropriately or failing to move over can result in a $173 ticket and three penalty points.

Of course, the  regulation  which requires drivers to pull over to allow moving emergency vehicles  (police, fire,  ambulance) which are displaying  flashing lights and  sirens  to pass,  remains in place and is not changed.