UPDATE: Traffic Safety Act changes coming Sept. 1

Note: On Feb. 28, it was announced these changes will be now come into effect September, 2023.

Submitted

Please be advised that key changes to the Traffic Safety Act will take effect on March 1, 2023. Important amendments have been made to the rules that govern the passing of stopped emergency vehicles on a highway.

The updated legislation extends safe passing protections for roadside workers to include snowplows and highway maintenance vehicles, in addition to emergency vehicles and tow trucks.

When such vehicles are stopped with their flashing lights operating, motorists are required to:

• Slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower, in all lanes travelling in the same direction on multi-lane highways; and

• Slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower, when travelling in either direction on single lane highways.

Contraventions to these rules will continue to be charged under s. 115(2)(t) TSA.