California’s “Slow Down, Move Over” law expanded significantly on January 1, 2026.
Drivers must now move over for any stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights, cones, or other warning devices. This law protects stranded motorists and delivery drivers, not just emergency responders.
Understanding the AB 390 Expansion
The new mandate requires a lane change when approaching any disabled vehicle stopped on the shoulder.
If you cannot safely move over, you must reduce your speed. Failing to do so can result in a costly citation and DMV points.
This expansion is being strictly enforced along the US 101 and US 1 Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). This includes the pilot program for speed enforcement on the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Barbara County until January 2032.
Officers look for drivers who fail to give space to disabled passenger cars. A speeding ticket lawyer can help you contest these subjective roadside observations.
Speed Cameras in Santa Barbara Work Zones
The US 101 widening project, which has been going on for decades, remains an active enforcement zone through 2028, when there are workers present and signs posted.
There are many technical issues with construction area speeding tickets, so consulting a traffic ticket attorney about your specific circumstance could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the three years a paid fine would remain on your record.
Under AB 289, Haney. State Highway Work Zone Speed Safety Program, California has authorized automated speed safety systems (cameras) in construction areas. These cameras can issue tickets with civil penalties for exceeding posted limits.
Although there are no NOTS points associated with the civil penalty, CHP and local law enforcement present can issue speeding tickets that do.
In construction areas, like those in Carpinteria and Montecito, fines are doubled for all speeding violations.
The Los Patos Way off-ramp closure in April 2026 will increase congestion and risk. You must remain vigilant to avoid both camera-based and officer-issued tickets.
Why You Need a Speeding Ticket Lawyer
A paid fine for a "Slow Down, Move Over" ticket adds a DMV NOTS point to your record.
In the Santa Barbara/Montecito area, an active construction expansion to include a “carpool or high-occupancy lane” is currently active. Three of five sections are completed.
This construction can lead to speeding tickets and increased insurance premiums for at least three years. A speeding ticket lawyer works to prevent these long-term financial consequences.
The average Santa Barbara driver already pays $2,650 annually for full coverage, while many other municipalities, such as Santa Maria and Santa Ynez, pay around $2,500. One paid fine for speeding in a construction zone can double your fine and your insurance premiums.
Don’t go it alone; discuss your options with a speeding ticket attorney.
“No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”—CA Vehicle Code 22350, Speed Laws.
Bigger & Harman evaluate potential or possible results for your specific case. We challenge the officer’s judgment regarding "reasonable and prudent" passing speeds. Our goal is to protect your driving privileges, keep your record clean, and your insurance premiums stable.
Protect Your Record on the Central Coast
Traffic tickets in Santa Barbara County are normally heard in Santa Maria’s Miller or Traffic Division or in the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
Our firm handles the legal process so you can go to work or school as usual. We have a broad understanding of the specific technicalities associated with construction zone speeding tickets.
If you are cited, do not simply pay the fine or accept the point and the potential insurance increases. Signing the ticket is only a promise to resolve the ticket before the court date or appear in court, not an admission.
Contact a speeding ticket lawyer to discuss your legal options immediately.
Consult Bigger & Harman About the Expended “Slow Down, Move Over” Laws
When you’ve been ticketed in Santa Barbara County, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300 for assistance. Se habla Español 859-1177. Email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our secure website contact form.
We regularly assist Santa Maria drivers in the Miller Division and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Are fines higher in the US 101 widening project zones?
A: Yes, fines are doubled in all active construction zones in California.
Q: Can a speed camera ticket result in DMV NOTS points?
A: No, under the current pilot program, camera-enforced work zone tickets are typically civil penalties without points. However, a paid fine for a bumper stop by CHP and local law enforcement will be assessed one NOTS point by the DMV. This point assessment typically results in an increased insurance premium for up to 3 years.
Q: How can a speeding ticket lawyer help with a “Slow down, Move over” ticket?
A: Many technicalities surround how a speeding ticket in this case can be enforced. A speeding ticket attorney will challenge whether a lane change was "unsafe or impracticable" or if the driver’s speed was “reasonable and prudent,”based on conditions.
References:
CA Vehicle Code 22350, Speed Laws.
AB 289, Haney. State Highway Work Zone Speed Safety Program.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2026.