Do you know how fast you’re permitted to go when passing an emergency vehicle? The answer is more complicated than you might think. In October of 2005, new legislation came into effect in Alberta to address this matter.

• Emergency vehicles include fire, police, ambulance, tow trucks, and a vehicle being used by a gas disconnection unit of a public utility or designated emergency response unit.
• Motorists must slow to 60 kilometers per hour, or less if the posted speed is lower, when passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks stopped with their lights flashing. Fines for speeding in these areas will be double the regular amount.
• If there are two or more traffic lanes in the same direction as the emergency vehicle or tow truck, passing vehicles need only slow down in the lane immediately beside the stopped emergency vehicle. Vehicles traveling in other lanes, including oncoming lanes, may maintain their speed but should proceed with caution.

Going just one kilometer over the speed limit could result in a $114 fine, and for going ten kilometers over the speed limit….$156.

The legislation was enacted to ensure the safety of emergency workers and motorists alike.