Florida’s “Move Over” law, which mandates drivers to change lanes for stopped emergency and service vehicles, is set to undergo an expansion starting January 1, 2024.
Presently, the law requires drivers to shift to an adjacent lane for stationary emergency, sanitation, utility service, and construction vehicles. If changing lanes is not possible, drivers must reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour below the posted limit.
The updated law will now encompass stalled vehicles displaying hazard lights, emergency flares, or emergency signage. The aim is to enhance safety for both motorists and those attending to stalled vehicles on the roadside.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there have been nearly 1,700 statewide crashes since 2015 where drivers were cited for failing to comply with the “Move Over” law. These incidents resulted in eight fatalities and over 100 serious injuries.
Trooper Migdalisis Garcia of the Florida Highway Patrol emphasized the law’s importance in preventing accidents. She stated, “The law is there for the safety of everyone as well as to prevent crashes. If these people are driving and motorists aren’t able to pull over a side or reduce their speed, then these crashes can happen, or secondary crashes.”
Violating the “Move Over” law can lead to fines ranging from $60 to $158. The update aims to address potential hazards and minimize the risks associated with stalled vehicles on the roadside.