AB 390 in Plain English: What Pasadena Drivers Must Do When a Vehicle is Stopped With Hazard Lights
Most drivers know about California’s “move over” law, but not everyone knows the full extent of it or what it means for them on Pasadena’s roads. Assembly Bill 390 clarifies what drivers need to do when approaching certain stopped vehicles. The goal: reduce traffic accident fatalities and make California roads safer for everyone. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a stopped emergency vehicle, talking to a car accident attorney may help you better understand how this law may affect your case.
When you choose DeWitt, Algorri & Algorri, LLP, you benefit from the decades of experience our car accident lawyers bring to the table. Attorney Ernest Algorri has solely represented plaintiffs in his nearly 40 years of legal practice. He understands how insurance companies deny liability and what it takes to demand a fair settlement or fight for clients in court. Find out how our car accident law firm can help you now by calling us at 855-WINNING (946-6464).
What is AB 390?
AB 390 essentially updates California’s longstanding “move over” law, outlined in the state’s Vehicle Code. The role of this law is to protect those who are stopped on the side of the road, including stranded drivers, tow truck operators, law enforcement officers conducting a traffic stop, or roadside assistance workers.
The law requires drivers who are approaching a stopped authorized emergency vehicle with its emergency lights on to move over so they are at least one lane away from the stopped vehicle. If they are unable to move over due to traffic or weather conditions, they must slow to a prudent speed.
When Does AB 390 Apply?
AB 390 applies when a vehicle is stopped on the side of the highway, they have their hazard lights or other emergency lights on, and the vehicle is disabled or otherwise stopped. You’ll see this a lot on roads like the Pasadena Freeway, I-710, and SR-134.
Your Requirements as a Driver
If you see a stationary vehicle with its hazard lights on, you are required to do one of two things to protect the person in the vehicle and anyone else stopped on the highway:
- Move over if possible: This is what you must do if you can. If there is more than one lane on your side of the road and traffic allows for it, you should switch lanes so there is at least one lane between you and the stopped vehicle when you pass them. This doesn’t mean to switch lanes at all costs—you still have to check your blind spot, check your mirrors, and avoid any unsafe maneuvers. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you cause a collision and need a car accident attorney. But if road conditions allow for it, switch lanes to give the stopped vehicle some room.
- Slow down if moving over is not an option: If there is only one lane, there’s heavy traffic, or other conditions do not allow you to move over, you must slow down. The law states that you must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed. This means you can’t just tap the brake or let off the gas until you’re past the stopped vehicle. You have to reduce your speed to something that is safe for current road conditions. The goal is to make it easier for you to avoid hitting someone who may be outside the stopped vehicle.
Common Driver Mistakes in Pasadena
When drivers fail to follow this law, they face fines of up to $50. Some of the most common mistakes leading to noncompliance include:
- Assuming that the law only applies to law enforcement vehicles
- Not changing lanes even when it is safe to do so
- Barely slowing down when a lane change isn’t possible
- Ignoring hazard lights entirely because traffic is heavy
A citation isn’t the worst possible outcome of these mistakes. Negligent drivers can cause serious harm to drivers and others stopped on the side of the road.
Injured in a Crash? Call Our Car Accident Law Firm in Pasadena, California
The team at DeWitt, Algorri & Algorri LLP advocates aggressively for every single client, fighting for the fair compensation they deserve. Schedule a consultation with our car accident lawyers now by calling us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) or contacting us online now.
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
