California expanded the “Slow down, Move over” requirements with an amendment to CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 21809, Right of Way. AB 390, Wilson. Vehicles: Highway safety, enacted in January 2026.
This change protects all drivers with flashing hazard lights, warning triangles, flares, or other warning devices along the roadway.
If you receive a citation, speeding ticket attorneys can help protect your record. Tickets for these violations in Kings County are often handled at the Hanford Courthouse.
Commuters frequently use I-5 and SR-198 to travel through the heart of the county. Staying alert to disabled vehicles in these areas is now more important than ever.
Understanding the Expanded AB-390 Requirements
The "Slow down, Move over" rule no longer applies only to emergency vehicles or tow trucks. It now includes any stationary vehicle displaying emergency flashers or other warning devices.
If you see a stopped car, you must move into a different lane, when possible or slow down considerably. This provides a buffer of safety for anyone standing near the vehicle.
You must reduce your speed if a lane change is not possible. Drivers must slow to a "reasonable and prudent" speed for the current conditions.
Although there is no prescribed speed to slow down to, the speed the driver thought was "reasonable and prudent" might not have been according to the law enforcement officer who issued the ticket.
Hiring a speeding ticket attorney might be necessary to persuade the judge of the prudence observed by the driver. As in all trials in the USA, within a “reasonable doubt.”
Strict Rules for Local Construction Zones
Special rules apply when you drive through a construction zone in California, where all fines are doubled. These areas are clearly marked with warning signs to alert drivers.
The law requires you to drive with extra caution when workers are present. Fines for speeding are automatically doubled in these active working areas.
Caltrans has started using automated speed cameras in many highway work zones. These cameras can trigger a citation even if an officer is not present.
However, many elements must be adhered to by workers to obtain a conviction for speeding in these circumstances.
A traffic attorney can advise the driver of these circumstances and technicalities, such as a worker’s presence and warning signs that must alert drivers to lane reductions, speed reductions, and changing traffic patterns.
Resolving Tickets at the Hanford Courthouse
A conviction leads to points on your record, which could trigger much higher insurance costs.
California drivers in the Hanford area of Kings County, CA, already pay an average annual premium of $2,571 for full coverage auto insurance. A speeding ticket of between one and 24 mph over the speed limit would raise that by nearly $825 annually.
Many new car loans require full coverage, and families with a teen driver on their policy are likely paying 130% more for coverage, according to Bankrate.com.
Moving violations on I-5 or SR-198 can be difficult to challenge alone. Our team understands the courtroom procedures and how to negotiate a no-point conviction with a fine only, which could save Kings County drivers nearly $2,500 in increased insurance premiums over the three years a paid fine would stay on the average driver’s record.
A clean record is essential for your financial future and driving privileges. We look for technical errors or inconsistencies in the officer’s report to help raise the level of reasonable doubt in your case.
Ask Bigger & Harman, the Speeding Ticket Attorneys, About “Slow Down, Move Over” Tickets
If you’ve been ticketed for violating the new amendment to the “slow down, move over” law, call Bigger & Harman, APC. Give us a call at (661) 349-9300 or 859-1177 para Español.
Use the contact form to arrange a complimentary consultation, or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Do the new “slow down, move over” laws apply to local roadways in Hanford?
A: Yes, AB-390 applies to all California roadways.
Q: How much is the fine for failing to slow down or move over?
A: The fine is approximately $238 for this minor infraction. However, the long-term financial impact is the economic burden. Increased insurance premiums cost the average Kings County driver nearly $2,500 over the three years the paid fine could stay on their driving record. Drivers with teens on their policy pay nearly 130% more than the California average.
Q: Will this violation result in a point on my record?
A: Yes, after paying the fine, the DMV will assess one NOTS point to your driving record.
References:
CA VC Section 21809, Right of Way.
AB 390, Wilson. Vehicles: Highway safety
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2026.