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In the New Year, drivers will need to slow down and move over for more than just police and emergency vehicles flashing their lights.

Starting Jan. 1 the province is bringing in new regulations that will involve moving over and slowing down for any stopped vehicle with a flashing light, which are considered “official vehicles”. This includes police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, commercial vehicle safety enforcement vehicles, park rangers and conservations officers.

If drivers do not abide by the new regulation, they can face a $173 ticket and three penalty points.

This new regulation has been brought in to help make conditions for roadside workers safe.

The BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association initially raised concerns that the current regulation does not protect all roadside employees, like maintenance workers.

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The new regulatory amendment will be simplified so that it includes all vehicles displaying a flashing, red, blue or yellow light.

In a statement from the province, the lights will make it easier for drivers to know the rules of the road since they will not have to check to see if the flashing light is an “official vehicle”.