Here’s what the law says: motorists approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck flashing emergency lights, must slow down and move out of the lane adjacent to the vehicle…if it’s safe to do so.

 

Democratic State Senator Joe Simitian of Palo Alto wrote the bill.

 

“Year after year we lose the lives of emergency personnel, it could be tow truck drivers, fire fighters, paramedics, CHP, unnecessarily because folks are just hugging the lane too close, they’re driving to fast. The law is really very simple. If you see those emergency lights flashing on the side of the road, move over, slow down, a lot of lives can be saved.”

 

An amendment to Simitian’s bill expands “Move Over, Slow Down” to include Caltrans vehicles that are flashing amber lights.

 

Violators face a $50 fine.