Florida Highway Patrol officers will be cracking down on drivers who don’t obey the move-over law throughout the month of January. The law requires drivers to move over or significantly slow down, when it’s not possible to move over, when passing enforcement officers, emergency workers and tow truck drivers who are stopped along Florida roadways.
According to a FHP press release, since 1999, more than 200 officers in the U.S. have died and thousands of others have been injured by drivers who failed to obey the move-over law.
“Florida’s Move Over law was enacted in 2002 to safeguard Florida’s emergency responders who are out on the roadways every day working to protect you and your families,” said Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Abide by the Move Over law and help us protect our emergency personnel and their families.”
Failure to obey Florida’s move-over law is a primary offense. If you fail to comply with the law, you face a fine and points against your license.
Understanding Move Over:
- Drivers must move over when a patrol car,emergency vehicle and/or tow truck is stopped on the side of a road with lights flashing.
- If they cannot move over safely, drivers should slow down to a speed of 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
- Always approach the emergency vehicle with caution.Violating Move Over laws puts motorists and emergency responders at risk. In Florida, it can also result in a fine and points on your driver license record. Read more about Florida’s Move Over Law at http://www.flhsmv.gov/SafetyTips/MoveOverTips.htm.The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Instagram at FLHSMV, Twitter @FLHSMV or find us on Facebook.