Move Over.... It's The Law

The 'Move Over' law requires drivers to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop or disabled vehicle. This law will help prevent injuries and save lives, but only if drivers follow the law and use common sense.

.--When approaching or passing an emergency response area, a person, unless otherwise directed by an emergency service responder, should :

 

(1) pass in a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency

response area, if possible; or

 

(2) if passing in a nonadjacent lane is impossible,

illegal or unsafe, pass the emergency response area at a

careful and prudent reduced speed reasonable for safely

passing the emergency response area.

 

 Penalty.--Any person violating this law commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of not more than $250.

 

Emergency response area is the  area in which emergency service responders render emergency assistance to individuals on or near a roadway or a police officer is conducting a traffic stop or systematic check of vehicles as long as the emergency vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the requirements.   

 

Emergency service responder is an individual acting in an official capacity as police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, coroner, deputy coroner, firefighter, fire police, fire marshal, medical examiner, deputy medical examiner, rescue personnel, ambulance personnel, towing and recovery personnel, highway maintenance and construction personnel, hazardous material  response team member or emergency medical service personnel.