Press Room

An Act relative to the Move Over Law improves the safety of motorists, utility workers, and highway workers by expanding mandatory precautions for driving past stationary vehicles.

The details of the legislation are below.

Protects Drivers of Disabled Vehicles. Ensures safety for people in disabled vehicles with flashing lights by requiring motorists to slow down as they approach any stationary cars or trucks that are on the shoulder or breakdown lane of a road or highway. Approaching motorists are required to proceed with caution. If possible, on four-lane highways, drivers must make lane changes to avoid the disabled vehicle.

Protects Utility Workers. Shields telecom, electric, and gas workers by requiring motorists to slow down as they approach stationary utility vehicles with flashing lights. Drivers must then proceed with caution and, if possible, move over on major highways to ensure safety as they pass.

Steps Up Enforcement and Driver Education. Institutes a required driver education program for motorists who violate the law on a second or subsequent occasion. Creates escalating penalties for subsequent violations of the Move Over Law, increasing the existing $100 fine to $250 for the second offense and $500 for third and subsequent violations.