Remember the Move Over Law

January is a classic time for resolutions, so in addition to the goals you set for your health, relationships, and finance, resolve to pay attention to traffic laws, including one that helps keep first responders safe – the Move Over Law. 

Since 2020, almost 500 first responders and tow truck drivers have been struck and killed by vehicles while they were performing their duties on the side of the road. These incidents may occur on traffic stops or when emergency responders are working with disabled vehicles or at the scene of a crash. 

You should already be aware that you need to move over when an emergency vehicle is approaching you. If it has flashing red or blue lights or a siren then you should yield the right of way by moving your car over to the edge of the curb and stopping until the vehicle has passed. Make sure you aren’t blocking any intersection. Don’t stop in the middle of the roadway, and don’t be unpredictable in your maneuvers. 

Most drivers are pretty clear about that part of the law, but make sure you also know when to move over for emergency or other vehicles that are on the side of the road. The statute has been in place in Florida since 1971, and has been gradually expanded to improve roadside safety by including other types of vehicles commonly found in hazardous positions along the road. In 2014, the law was amended to include sanitation vehicles such as garbage and recycling trucks that are on the roadside performing their jobs, and also utility vehicles at work on the roadside. Later changes saw the additional requirement of moving over for tow trucks with flashing or rotating amber lights that are assisting a vehicle, and for road maintenance and construction vehicles displaying warning lights as they work (unless there are channeling devices or advance signage.) 

The most recent change came in 2024 when the law expanded to include disabled vehicles on the side of the road. If the car is pulled over and has its hazard lights flashing, if it is using flares or emergency signage, or even if someone is visible in or near the vehicle, you must move over. If you ever have to pull over to change a tire or wait for a tow truck, you’ll be grateful that other cars aren’t speeding by just inches away from your disabled vehicle.

How exactly do you move over? Whether the stopped vehicle is on the left or the right, you should safely move out of the lane closest to that vehicle. If there is too much traffic for you to safely move, or if there is only one lane in your direction, then you should slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, then slow down to five miles per hour. 

Deputies, tow truck drivers, and others are working hard to keep people safe. Give them the space to do their jobs safely.