​New Year, New Roadside Safety Protections: California’s Expanded “Slow Down, Move Over” Law Now Covers All Stopped Drivers and Passengers Roadside

With roadside deaths climbing at dangerous rates, AAA, OTS, CHP, Caltrans urge drivers to obey the strengthened law now in effect.

Walnut Creek, Calif. (January 29, 2026) — California has strengthened the “Slow Down, Move Over” law as of  Jan. 1, 2026, enhancing lifesaving protections for all stranded drivers and passengers. By including everyday motorists in these protections, the expanded law aims to drastically reduce roadside collisions by compelling drivers to move over for any stopped vehicle, or slow down if unsafe to do so.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, drivers must perform these simple actions when approaching a stopped vehicle:

• Change lanes away from the stopped vehicle, if safe to do so
• If changing lanes is not possible, slow down to a safe, reasonable speed

Violations in California can result in the following penalties:

• Fines up to $1,000
• Points on a driver’s record for unsafe behavior near stopped vehicles

Sponsored by AAA, Assembly Bill 390, comes as safety leaders sound the alarm on a nationwide spike in roadside deaths. 

“AAA believes this law will save lives, ensuring anyone with a disabled vehicle on the side of the road gets enough space to remain safe from cars passing by,” said Doug Johnson, spokesperson for AAA Northern California. “As an organization deeply rooted in a century-long commitment to road safety, this law aligns with our mission to safeguard everyone on our roadways.”

“Slow Down, Move Over, and let’s protect every person stranded on our roadways. Together, we can turn a moment of caution into a statewide culture of care,” said Toks Omishakin, California Transportation Secretary. “Under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom, the California State Transportation Agency, Office of Traffic Safety, California Highway Patrol and Caltrans are coming together to make roadside stops moments of safety, not tragedy.” 

Roadside Deaths Are Rising at Alarming Levels

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, using NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, reveals roadside fatalities are rising sharply. In California, the number of people killed at the roadside increased nearly 77% from 2014 to 2023.  According to national safety data, this trend is driven by higher speeds, distracted driving, and limited shoulder space on modern freeways.

“Too many Californians are losing their lives simply because passing drivers fail to slow down or move over,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “This expanded law makes clear that every person on the roadside, whether a driver or a passenger, deserves the same margin of safety. Obeying ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ is not just a courtesy; it is a legal responsibility that saves lives.”

“As you head out on your next trip, keep in mind that a driver with a flat tire or other roadside car trouble could very well be you,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “Please move over a lane or slow down for highway workers, first responders, tow truck drivers and other stopped vehicles on the side of the road or shoulder.  Make safety the destination we all share by looking out for every vehicle and person on the roadside.” 

To protect those working or stranded at the roadside, AAA urges drivers to follow these essential tips:

• Remain alert, avoid distractions, and focus on the task of driving.
• Keep an eye out for situations where emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility service vehicles or disabled vehicles are stopped on the side of the road.
• When you see these situations, slow down and if possible, move one lane over and away from the people and vehicles stopped at the side of the road.

About AAA Mountain West Group
AAA Mountain West Group is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.8 million Members across Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Northern California, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. AAA delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,300 dedicated Team Members, AAA is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.