Tweet
Overview
The "slow down, move over" law is a safety requirement in all 50 U.S. states for drivers to move over a lane or slow down significantly when passing a stationary vehicle with flashing warning lights on the roadside. This includes emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and utility or construction vehicles to protect roadside workers and first responders. While the specifics of the law vary by state, the general rule is to either safely change lanes away from the vehicle or reduce speed, often to 20 mph below the speed limit, or to 5 mph if the speed limit is 20 mph or less.
What to do
- Move over: If it is safe, move over one lane away from the stationary vehicle with its warning lights on.
- Slow down: If you cannot move over safely, reduce your speed to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
- Slow down further: If the speed limit is 20 mph or less, slow down to 5 mph when you cannot safely move over.
- Emergency vehicles (police, fire, EMS)
- Tow trucks
- Utility and construction vehicles
- Sanitation and municipal vehicles
- Disabled vehicles
- Protects roadside workers: This law is designed to protect emergency responders and other roadside personnel who are at risk of being hit by passing traffic.
- Prevents accidents: It helps prevent multiple-vehicle crashes and keeps all road users safer.
Ignoring the "slow down, move over" law can lead to fines, points on your license, and higher insurance premiums
. This law requires drivers to move over one lane or slow down significantly (at least 20 mph under the speed limit) when passing a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, or sanitation vehicle with flashing lights.
Penalties for non-compliance
- Fines: Penalties can range from around $120 to over $500, depending on the circumstances and local laws.
- Points on license: You can receive three points on your driver's license, which can increase your insurance rates.
- Increased insurance premiums: A traffic violation on your record can lead to higher insurance costs.
- License suspension: Accumulating too many points can lead to the suspension of your driver's license.
- Misdemeanor/felony charges: If someone is injured or killed due to the violation, you could face more severe misdemeanor or felony charges.
- You must comply when approaching any stationary law enforcement, emergency, or sanitation vehicle with flashing lights.
- The law also includes tow trucks and disabled vehicles.
- On a two-lane road where you cannot move over, you must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit, or 5 mph if the speed limit is 20 mph or less.