(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, ON) – The Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding the drivers of motor vehicles to pull over to the right and come to a safe stop when directed to do so by police.
The Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) stipulates that a police officer may require the driver of a motor vehicle to stop. It further stipulates the driver shall immediately come to a safe stop as near as is practicable to the right-hand curb, or edge of the roadway.
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver’s Handbook states: “when a police officer signals you to pull over, you must pull over as far to the right as you safely can, and come to a complete stop.†This signal may be, among others, in the form of red and blue lights activated on a police vehicle, or a police officer utilizing using hand signals. Drivers should not stop in an active traffic lane, but should smoothly and safely pull over when directed, and signal their intention to do so.
In some instances, drivers on the 400 series highways have chosen to pull into the median area to stop for police, instead of safely pulling over as far to the right (shoulder) as possible. This becomes an extremely dangerous situation for both the occupant(s) of the motor vehicle, and the police officer, due to the speed, volume, and perspective of the vehicular traffic still on the highway.
Once directed by police to pull over, and once their vehicle is safely positioned and stopped, drivers should stay in their vehicle, and wait for the police officer. The driver must immediately, upon the police officer’s direction, surrender their driver’s licence, vehicle permit (or copy), and proof of insurance. (There is not a 24 hour period to present these documents). These documents assist police in determining whether or not the driver is licenced to drive, and whether or not the motor vehicle is properly registered and insured.
Drivers must also be aware of the Move Over Law, which, for safety reasons, requires all drivers to slow down and proceed with caution when passing an emergency vehicle stopped or parked on the side of the highway with its lights activated. If the highway has more than one lane, the law also requires drivers to move over, leaving at least one lane between their vehicle and the parked emergency vehicle, if it can be done safely.
Driving is privilege, not a right. Know to pull over safely, for your safety and others.