(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Governor Gavin Newsom has officially signed Assembly Bill 390, a measure authored by Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, to expand California’s “Slow Down, Move Over” law and better protect drivers and passengers stranded on the roadside.
AB 390 extends existing roadside protections—originally designed for first responders, Caltrans workers, and tow truck drivers—to include all motorists stopped on the side of the road with flashing hazard lights or other emergency indicators. The bill is part of Assemblywoman Wilson’s broader Transportation Safety Package, which has garnered strong bipartisan support throughout the legislative process.
“As Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, I’m committed to keeping people safe on California’s roadways,” said Assemblywoman Wilson. “AB 390 is a commonsense update that reflects the real dangers people face when pulled over or stranded. I’m grateful to the Governor for signing this bill, and to AAA for their partnership in getting it across the finish line.”
The bill responds to alarming statistics. Between 2013 and 2023, California saw a 60% increase in deaths involving people standing outside of disabled vehicles, placing the state second in the nation for these types of fatalities. AB 390 brings California in line with at least 24 other states that have already modernized their roadside safety laws.
In addition to expanding protections to all stranded motorists, AB 390 also updates outdated legal references to ensure all relevant public and contract-operated highway maintenance vehicles are covered under the law.
“AAA commends Governor Newsom and Assemblymember Wilson for advancing traffic safety at the roadside across California,” said Greg Backley, President and CEO, Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA). “Tragically, the number of people killed while standing outside of stopped or stranded vehicles has surged 60% since 2013, including drivers who experienced vehicle breakdowns or minor collisions. This important new law extends existing protections for first responders, highway workers, and tow truck operators to cover all drivers and passengers on the side of highways and roadways in the Golden State. AAA urges all drivers to stay alert, never drive impaired, and always slow down or move over to provide a safe buffer for anyone stopped on the side of the road,” he added.
“As a leading road safety organization, we thank Assemblymember Wilson for introducing this life-saving legislation,” said Marshall L. Doney, President & CEO of AAA Northern California. “We are pleased to see Assembly Bill 390 signed into law. We know this law will protect California drivers and those who provide them assistance when they are vulnerable on the roadside.”
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
For more information about AB 390 or Assemblywoman Wilson’s Transportation Safety Package, visit: https://a11.asmdc.org
