The Move Over Law has been exercised in most US states for the better part of a decade, yet not every driver knows exactly what the law is or who it protects. Let’s take a look into this important law and determine if it has been implemented in your area.

What is the Move Over Law?

The Move Over Law is a law that protects emergency responders and other personnel working on the side of the road. The extent to whom the law protects differs state by state, but generally, it’s a good idea to always adhere to the same rules for all roadside personnel, emergency responders, or others.

When an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is pulled to the side of the road (i.e. a police vehicle stopping another driver), the law requires you to do one of two things:

1. If you are safely able to do so, you must change lanes so you are not traveling in the lane closest to the pulled-over vehicle(s), or
2. If you are unable to safely move over, you must slow down to a reasonable or specific speed limit, depending on local laws.

Each state has its state-specific adjustments to the Move Over Law. It’s important to know what your state’s law is.

Does My State Have a Move-Over Law?

As of 2013, all fifty US states have Move Over Laws in effect. Washington D.C. is the only area in the United States that does not currently enforce Move Over Laws. Since the early 2000s, states have been gradually implementing local laws to protect their emergency responders. The last state to effectively do this was Hawaii, which implemented its Move Over Law in early 2013.

Every state has its adjustments to the law, some extending protection to all pulled-over vehicles while others require drivers to slow down to a specific speed while passing. Refer to this list to check your state-specific adjustments to the Move Over Law.

Just like every state has its local adjustments to the law, every state also has its penalty for breaking the law.

What are My State’s Penalties for Breaking the Move Over Law?

Each state has its penalties for breaking the law. Some state penalties include cash fines, license suspension, jail time, or a combination of all three. You can select the corresponding state on the Move Over America website for a brief description of state-specific penalties, or contact your local DMV for up-to-date information regarding the law. Regardless of what the penalties are, though, it’s still a good idea to always change lanes or slow down for emergency vehicles. Doing so could save lives!

What’s Next for the Move-Over Law?

The Move Over Law is continuing to grow in awareness and is being enforced like any other law. Many drivers who have claimed they weren’t aware of such a law existing have been ordered to attend defensive driving school to be refreshed on new or updated laws. Ignorance is not a proper excuse to break the law. Periodically check with your local DMV to see how the ever-adapting traffic laws are being adjusted to ensure consistent safe travels for everyone.

Happy driving, people!