Alberta's updated rules to protect roadside workers come into effect

A recent change to Alberta's Traffic Safety Act are coming into effect today.Starting on Friday (September 1), vehicles driving in the closest lane to roadside workers will now have to reduce their speed to either 60 km/h or the posted speed limit.

Drivers could also move into the far lane from the workers if safe to do so.

Previously, only first responders and tow truck drivers were protected under the Traffic Safety Act.

It will now apply to all roadside workers, including police, fire, EMS, tow truck operators, highway maintenance workers and snowplow operators.

Failure to comply with the new rules can result in fines and demerits, including a $243 fine and three demerit points for failing to slow down to the maximum speed limit when passing stopped roadside workers.

Failing to allow other drivers to move into a traffic lane farther from a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside work vehicle can also result in the same fine and demerits.

For unsafe passing of snowplows, a driver can be hit with a fine of $324 and three demerit points.