Proposal
Expansion of the Slow Down, Move Over (SDMO) law - Working for Workers Six Act, 2024
Regulation Number(s):
N/A
Instrument Type:
Proposal
Bill or Act:
Highway Traffic Act
Summary of Proposal:
Currently, section 159 of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) requires motorists to slow down when approaching a stopped emergency response vehicle (e.g., police, fire, ambulance) displaying red or red and blue emergency flashing lights, or tow trucks with flashing amber lights. If the highway has more than one lane, the law further requires drivers to move over and leave one lane between their vehicle and the parked emergency vehicle, provided it can be done safely.
There is a growing concern from a cross-section of roadside workers about their safety and evidence demonstrates that there is an inherent risk in working at roadside near vehicles travelling at high speeds.
As part of the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, the government is proposing amendments to section 159 of the HTA to enhance protection for roadside workers. The proposed changes would require drivers to slow down and, if safe to do so, move over for any prescribed "work-related vehicle" stopped at roadside with flashing amber lights activated. This requirement would apply outside of designated construction zones where reduced speed limits are already in effect. To support implementation, the amendment creates regulation making authority to define the types of vehicles that qualify as "work-related vehicles".
This proposal is intended to extend safety measures to additional categories of roadside workers, reducing risks and improving workplace safety. We appreciate your input and invite you to submit comments on this proposal for consideration.
There is a growing concern from a cross-section of roadside workers about their safety and evidence demonstrates that there is an inherent risk in working at roadside near vehicles travelling at high speeds.
As part of the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, the government is proposing amendments to section 159 of the HTA to enhance protection for roadside workers. The proposed changes would require drivers to slow down and, if safe to do so, move over for any prescribed "work-related vehicle" stopped at roadside with flashing amber lights activated. This requirement would apply outside of designated construction zones where reduced speed limits are already in effect. To support implementation, the amendment creates regulation making authority to define the types of vehicles that qualify as "work-related vehicles".
This proposal is intended to extend safety measures to additional categories of roadside workers, reducing risks and improving workplace safety. We appreciate your input and invite you to submit comments on this proposal for consideration.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
It is anticipated that this proposal will not have any direct compliance costs for businesses. The proposed amendment would support the safety and well-being of Ontario's roadside workers.
Further Information:
Bill 229, Working for Workers Six Act, 2024
Proposal Number:
24-MTO022
Posting Date:
November 27, 2024
Comments Due Date:
December 11, 2024
Contact Address:
Ministry of Transportation
Road Safety Program Development Office
Safety Program Development Branch
87 Sir William Hearst Avenue
Building "A", Room 212
Toronto, Ontario
M3M 0B4
Road Safety Program Development Office
Safety Program Development Branch
87 Sir William Hearst Avenue
Building "A", Room 212
Toronto, Ontario
M3M 0B4