Roadside workers, tow trucks and snowplows

By the ChowChow Labs editorial team · Updated November 13, 2026 · How we check our content

Short answer: People working at the roadside are at risk from passing traffic.

Key points

• In the lane next to stopped emergency vehicles or tow trucks with lights flashing: 60 km/h or the posted limit, whichever is lower.
• Speeding fines there are doubled.
• Move to a farther lane when you can do it safely.
• Obey construction speeds and flag persons, even with no workers visible.
• Don't pass a snowplow when your view is blocked or it isn't safe.

Law or advice?

The speed rule and flag-person directions are law. Moving over when safe is strongly recommended.

Example

A tow truck is on the shoulder with lights flashing and you can't change lanes on a 100 km/h highway. You slow to 60 km/h while passing.

Checked against the Government of Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), used under the Open Government Licence – Alberta. Laws change, so check alberta.ca for the current rules before you rely on a number. Sources: Alberta Driver’s Guide, page 85: Emergency response vehicles and tow trucks.

Check yourself

Try these 6 questions from our free mock exams, then tap Show answer. For more, take the rules of the road practice test.

1. Question 1 · Sharing the Road

   An emergency vehicle with a siren approaches from behind on a two-way road. What should you do?

   1. A. Move to the left side
   2. B. Move to the right edge and stop
   3. C. Speed up and keep going until you find a side road
   4. D. Stop right in your lane

   Show answer

   Answer: B. Move to the right edge and stop

   On a two-way road, drive as close as possible to the right curb or edge and stop.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 85: Yield to emergency sirenReviewed October 2026Report an error

2. Question 2 · Sharing the Road

   An emergency vehicle approaches on a one-way street. Where should you pull over?

   1. A. Always to the right, even if you must cross lanes
   2. B. Always to the left
   3. C. To the nearest curb, left or right
   4. D. Stop in your lane

   Show answer

   Answer: C. To the nearest curb, left or right

   On a one-way street, move to the nearest curb and stop.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 85: One way emergency edgeReviewed October 2026Report an error

3. Question 3 · Road Scenarios

   

   Emergency vehicle E comes up behind A with its siren on. The right edge is clear. What should A do?

   1. A. Stop right where A is in the lane
   2. B. Speed up to stay ahead of E
   3. C. Pull over to the right edge and stop
   4. D. Move to the left lane so E can pass on the right

   Show answer

   Answer: C. Pull over to the right edge and stop

   On a two-way road, pull over to the right edge and stop to let the emergency vehicle pass.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 85: Emergency on two way roadReviewed October 2026Report an error

4. Question 4 · Sharing the Road

   When is passing a snowplow strictly prohibited?

   1. A. When your view along its side is blocked
   2. B. Only at night
   3. C. Only on weekends
   4. D. Never; passing a snowplow is always allowed when it is slow

   Show answer

   Answer: A. When your view along its side is blocked

   You may not pass if the view is obstructed, if passing would interfere, or if it cannot be done safely.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 102: Snowplow visibilityReviewed October 2026Report an error

5. Question 5 · Sharing the Road

   You want to pass a cyclist on a narrow road with oncoming traffic. What should you do?

   1. A. Honk so the cyclist moves over for you
   2. B. Pass closely so you stay in your own lane
   3. C. Pass on the right if there is a shoulder
   4. D. Slow down and wait until you can pass with room

   Show answer

   Answer: D. Slow down and wait until you can pass with room

   Give cyclists plenty of space. Wait if you cannot pass safely.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 98: Cyclist passing gapReviewed October 2026Report an error

6. Question 6 · Sharing the Road

   Why should you not share a lane with a motorcycle?

   1. A. Motorcyclists cannot see cars beside them
   2. B. Motorcycles always ride on the lane edge
   3. C. Motorcycles need the full lane for hazards
   4. D. Motorcycles are always faster than cars

   Show answer

   Answer: C. Motorcycles need the full lane for hazards

   A motorcyclist is entitled to the full lane.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 98: Motorcycle lane spaceReviewed October 2026Report an error

Next: Cyclists, motorcycles and large trucks. Smaller road users are harder to see, and large trucks can't see you in many places.