Most of us know to pull over for a fire truck or an ambulance. As of 2026, California expects more – and if you do not, it can cost you far more than a ticket.
California’s “Slow Down, Move Over” law was expanded this year, and the change matters for everyone who drives – and especially for anyone hurt at the side of the road. Here is what changed and what it means for your rights.
What the Law Now Requires
Previously, drivers had to slow down or move over mainly for emergency vehicles and tow trucks. The 2026 update broadens that duty: you must now move over a lane – or slow down if you cannot safely change lanes – for any stopped vehicle displaying hazard lights, not just official ones. In practice, a stranded motorist on the shoulder is now entitled to the same caution you would give a police car.
Why This Matters After a Crash
Some of the most devastating crashes are “secondary” crashes – they happen after an initial breakdown or collision, when a second driver strikes a stopped car or a person standing outside it. The expanded law recognizes that danger, and it carries a direct legal consequence: a driver who ignores it and hits someone can be found to have broken a safety law written to prevent that exact harm, which can be powerful evidence of negligence in an injury claim.
If You Were Hurt on the Roadside
If you were struck while stopped on the shoulder, changing a tire, or helping at the scene of a crash, you may have a strong claim against the driver who failed to move over. As with any serious crash: get medical care, obtain the police report, photograph the scene and the vehicles, and note the conditions – and avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before speaking with a lawyer.
Roadside crashes are often severe, and the law is now clearly on the side of the person who was stopped. If you or someone you love was hurt on a California roadside, Ellin Mardirosian Law offers a free consultation to explain your options.
Helpful Resources & Links
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California DMV – California Driver Handbook
California Legislative Information
Free consultation with Ellin Mardirosian Law – call (747) 310-5200. Representing accident and injury victims across California and Nevada. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Armenian.
Disclaimer: This article is general information about California (and, where noted, Nevada) law, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different – for guidance on your situation, speak with a licensed attorney.
