The "Slow Down, Move Over" law underwent an expansion in 2026. The goal of this expansion is to prevent roadside tragedies in California.
Previously, this rule mainly protected Caltrans vehicles, emergency vehicles, and tow trucks. Now, under AB-390, Vehicles: Highway Safety, the amendment to CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 21809, Right of Way, now covers every vehicle stopped on the side of the road with warning devices, such as cones, triangles, or hazard lights flashing.
Modesto, CA, is seeing increased enforcement of this updated safety rule. Whether it is a stranded motorist or a delivery truck, you must give them space.
If you find yourself facing a citation, consulting a speeding ticket lawyer can help you avoid the long-term costs of increased auto insurance premiums.
Drivers are expected to move into an available lane whenever it is safe to do so. If you cannot move over, you must slow to a "reasonable and prudent" speed to pass the disabled vehicle, or you may be ticketed in Stanislaus County and have to resolve that ticket in Modesto Courthouse.
The “base fine” of $50 for violating the new statute is nearly $250 after adding the ten State and County surcharges for court construction, DNA testing, and more.
However, the most significant expense is the 30% or more increase in insurance premiums over the 36 to 39 month the record could remain on the driver’s record. The average Modesto driver already pays nearly $3,050 annually for full coverage auto insurance.
California Speeding Ticket Fine Levels in 2026
The cost of a speeding ticket depends heavily on how much you exceed the limit. California uses a tiered system for base fines, which then increase with state and county assessments.
A speeding ticket lawyer can help you understand the total impact of these tiers:
- 1 to 15 mph over: Total estimated cost is approximately $238. The driver might be eligible for Traffic Violator School (TVS) under specific circumstances.
- 16 to 25 mph over: Total estimated cost is approximately $367. The driver might be eligible for TVS.
- 26 to 99 mph over: Total estimated cost is approximately $490. The driver must have the approval of a traffic court judge to attend TVS.
- 100+ mph over: Total estimated cost starts at $859 and grow to $2,137, depending on the situation and their previous record. It requires a mandatory court appearance by the driver or an attorney. TVS is not available for speeding over 100 mph.
Drivers should always consult a Central Valley traffic attorney before pleading guilty and paying the fine. Although TVS is often a valid option to avoid increased insurance premiums, it is not always the wisest choice.
For instance, when the driver has two or more tickets pending, they’ve already used it recently, or they were ticketed while driving a commercial vehicle—among others.
Note: All traffic fines in California are doubled if the violation occurs within a designated construction or maintenance zone.
Masking a Speeding Ticket with Traffic Violator School
If you decide to plead guilty and pay the fine, you may still be able to keep the conviction masked from public view by attending TVS.
When you successfully complete a DMV-approved course, the DMV masks the point from your public driving record. This “mask” prevents insurance companies from seeing the infraction and increasing your premiums.
However, you must plead guilty and pay the full fine and county administrative fee to the court clerk, and then the school’s tuition before you can enroll. If the driver does not complete the course on time, the conviction becomes a part of the driver’s public record.
Why You Need a Speeding Ticket Lawyer in Modesto
A violation of the "Slow Down, Move Over" law is an infraction that adds a DMV NOTS point to your record.
In Modesto, CA, these tickets are often issued along Highway 99 or I-5. These high-speed freeways make any roadside stop extremely dangerous for those involved.
A speeding ticket lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your stop to build a defense. If traffic conditions made it unsafe to change lanes, that evidence could be critical. Challenging the ticket is often the only way to avoid the NOTS point and the resulting insurance hike.
The Modesto Courthouse handles a high volume of these safety-related citations. Having professional representation ensures your side of the story is heard by the judge.
We focus on protecting your driving privileges in the Stanislaus County court.
Ask Bigger & Harman, the Speeding Ticket Lawyers About the Expanded “Slow Down, Move Over” Law
If you have been accused of a “slow down, move over” violation or speeding ticket in Modesto, CA, call the speeding ticket lawyers at Bigger & Harman, APC at (661) 367-8232—se habla Español.
Bigger & Harman, the Central Valley speeding ticket lawyers, regularly defend ticketed drivers in Modesto Courthouse. Use our secure website contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Does "Slow Down, Move Over" apply to personal vehicles?
A: Yes, as of 2026, you must move over for any stranded or disabled vehicles using warning devices, such as hazard lights or flares. This law includes personal cars with flat tires or mechanical issues.
Q: How much is the fine if I am ticketed in a construction zone?
A: In California, traffic fines in construction or work zones are typically doubled, with costs potentially reaching $400 to $700 or more depending on speed. It is essential to consult a speeding ticket lawyer before paying these high-fine tickets.
Q: How many points is a slowdown, move-over violation in California?
A: A paid fine for failing to slow down or move over typically results in one NOTS point on your driving record, which could lead to increased insurance premiums for up to three years.
References:
CA VC Sections 22348, 22349, 22350, 22356, & [22348 - 22366] Speed Laws.
AB-390, Vehicles: Highway Safety, the amendment to CA VC Section 21809, Right of Way.
The CA DMV Traffic Violator Course Webpage.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2026.