California Move Over Rules: Roadside Vehicles and Emergency Traffic

An emergency vehicle coming through traffic and a vehicle stopped beside the road call for different actions. Identify the situation early, check surrounding traffic, and leave room for the people at risk.

Passing a stopped vehicle: move over when safe

From January 1, 2026, California’s expanded Move Over law covers stationary vehicles displaying hazard lights or warning devices, including cones and flares, as well as highway maintenance vehicles. A private car with its hazard lights on can qualify; the rule is not limited to police cars and tow trucks.

When approaching, look ahead and check mirrors and blind spots. If a safe, lawful lane change is available, move into a lane that is not immediately beside the stopped vehicle. If changing lanes is unsafe or impracticable, slow to a reasonable speed for the weather, road, traffic and people nearby. Do not force another driver to brake or cross prohibited markings to change lanes.

There is no single speed reduction that makes every roadside situation safe. A narrow shoulder, poor visibility or people outside a vehicle can require much more caution.

An emergency vehicle is approaching

When an emergency vehicle uses a siren and red lights, yield by moving to the right edge of the road and stopping until it has passed. Watch for more emergency vehicles before rejoining traffic.

If you are already in an intersection, clear it first, then pull right and stop as soon as safely possible. Follow directions from a police officer or firefighter.

Do not follow an emergency vehicle within 300 feet when its siren or flashing lights are operating.

Practice the distinction

• A disabled car has hazards on beside your lane: check whether you can safely move away; otherwise slow down and pass cautiously.
• An ambulance approaches with a siren and red lights: pull right and stop to let it pass.
• A fire engine approaches while you are crossing an intersection: clear the intersection before pulling over.

For another situation requiring an actual stop, review school buses and school zones.

Official sources

Reviewed October 29, 2026. DMV’s 2026 law summary and CHP’s 2026 public-safety law announcement explain AB 390. The DMV handbook’s sharing-the-road section explains emergency-vehicle yielding and following distance.