MOVE OVER!

Have you seen this sign before? Odds are you have, maybe even with a different
state listed at the top since this law is now enforced across the United States.

These signs seem self-explanatory but how often do you see a vehicle move over by one lane when there is a cop pulling someone else over? Perhaps a better question is how often do you? If you generally ignore this law you are not just risking a ticket and fine, you are risking someone else’s life. Below are answers to several questions you may have regarding this law.

First, what constitutes an emergency vehicle? Originally police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances comprised this list but as of this year the “move over” law was expanded to include tow trucks.

What do I do when I see a stopped emergency vehicle? That’s simple! Move over! If the lights are flashing on a vehicle at the side of the road you must move out of the lanes closest to them.

I can’t move over… Now what!? If you are driving on a one lane road or if changing lanes is impossible or would endanger you, don’t worry. You won’t get a ticket if you cannot accommodate by moving over... You will, however, need to reduce your speed by 20 mph below the posted limit – Yes, if the limit is 25 then 5 is the magic number.    

Understandably, many may ignore the “move over” law because they see that the civil servant is preoccupied with the task at hand and falsely assume they won’t get pulled over. There are many testimonials that prove otherwise and just because you may not get caught every time you don’t move over or slow down does not mean it can’t happen. Disobeying this law results in a maximum fine of $200 which can be raised to $500 if the violation results in property damage. If there is any bodily injury the offense will be enhanced to a Class B misdemeanor.

These individuals are risking their lives to keep citizens safe, yourself included, so why not adhere to the law and do everything in your power to keep them from being mowed down on the job?

Click here to learn more about the “move over” law in detail.