Moving Over For Stopped Vehicles
Veh. Code 21809 — change lanes or slow down near emergency lights, tow trucks and hazard lights
In California, a driver approaching a stationary emergency vehicle showing emergency lights, a stationary tow truck or marked highway maintenance vehicle showing flashing amber lights, or any other stationary vehicle showing hazard lights or a warning device such as cones, flares or reflectors, approaches with due caution and, before passing in the lane next to it, does one of two things unless a peace officer directs otherwise.
- Changes into an available lane not next to the vehicle, with due regard for safety and traffic, if that is practicable and not prohibited.
- If that would be unsafe or impracticable, slows to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for the conditions.
A violation is an infraction with a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50). The rule does not apply where the stopped vehicle is not next to the highway or is separated from it by a protective physical barrier.
Sources for this section (1)
- Veh. Code 21809 — Stationary emergency vehicles and tow trucks: duties of a driver approaching
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.