Slow Down, Move Over for Stopped Tow Trucks with Flashing Lights.
Protecting Ontario’s tow truck drivers.
Every year, tow truck drivers are injured or killed by passing vehicles. CAA believes that these essential service workers have the right to safe working conditions. CAA has been the leading advocate in Canada to ensure that Slow Down, Move Over (SDMO) laws are enacted and include tow trucks, along with police, ambulance and fire.
Compared to other emergency responders, the towing and recovery industry had the highest odds of experiencing a struck-by-vehicle incident.
– AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2023
Drivers slow down and move over for emergency vehicles (over 90%) but do so less consistently for tow trucks (49%).
– CAA Towing Survey, 2026
Nearly 4 in 5 Ontario drivers have heard of the SDMO law, but only 55% knew they were required to slow down and move over for stopped tow trucks with flashing lights.
– CAA Towing Survey, 2026
Slow Down, Move Over Legislation
When approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing red lights or red and blue lights, or a tow truck with flashing amber lights stopped on the side of the road, you’re required by law to slow down and proceed with caution. If the road has two or more lanes and it’s safe to do so, drivers should change lanes to provide space for stopped service vehicles.
- Penalties include a minimum fine of $400 and three demerit points upon conviction
- Penalties for any subsequent offence (within 5 years) may include $1,000 to $4,000 in fines, possible jail time up to 6 months and possible suspension of driver’s license up to 2 years.