Police in four states partner for ‘Move Over’ traffic enforcement

State and local law enforcement agencies in four states are teaming up to enforce ‘Move Over’ laws on Monday.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 20, police in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania will conduct a one-day, high visibility enforcement effort with a goal of enforcing each state’s Move Over laws.

“With at least 13 instances just this year of patrol vehicles being struck while conducting traffic stops, and seven MSP members killed while working on the side of the road in the department’s history, this is an important message we need everyone to hear,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP). “We always prefer education over enforcement, but during this single-day operation officers will be looking for and addressing dangerous driving behaviors, including motorists who disregard the state’s Move Over law.”

In Michigan, the Move Over law requires that drivers they must move over a lane and slow down at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit for an emergency vehicle with lights activated. If moving over isn’t possible, drivers should slow down to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and proceed with caution. Michigan’s Move Over law applies to police vehicles, fire or EMS vehicles, construction vehicles and tow trucks.