January is “Move Over” month in Florida, a way to remind people to move over to a different lane for stopped emergency and service vehicles.
The move over law was created in 2002 and is meant to keep people safe and from hitting emergency vehicles who are pulled over. This law includes tow trucks, road rangers, and sanitation vehicles. When you see a stopped emergency or service vehicle, you must safely move to the furthest lane from the stopped cars and use your turn signal. If you’re unable to switch lanes, you must slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. If you don’t follow these rules, you will be pulled over and it will result in a fine and points on your driving record.
If you can’t move over, slow down! The side of the road is one of the most dangerous places for police, state troopers, emergency responders and maintenance personnel. Hundreds of people are hurt or killed while working along the highway every year. Traffic incidents are the number one cause of law enforcement deaths, according the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Move over laws exist in every state. Some states include service vehicles and tow trucks while others do not. When traveling it is best to assume that any vehicle with flashing lights is protected by the move over laws.
