In Florida, it’s the law to move over for first responders on roadsides. What to know
In Florida, January is designated to bring awareness to the law that helps protect law enforcement officers, first responders and other public service personnel while operating on the side of Florida’s roadways.
The “move over” law for drivers in the Sunshine State has existed for many years and was updated again in July 2021.
So what do you need to know about Florida’s Move Over Month?
All 50 states have a move over law, and Florida’s was originally introduced in 1971 but was added to Florida Statute 316.126 in 2002.
What it means is drivers are expected to move or yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles on Florida’s interstates or other highways with two or more lanes.
How do you comply?
Either move over or slow down, if switching lanes is not possible. Here’s a list of tips from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:
- As soon as it is safe to do so, vacate the lane closest to the stationary emergency vehicle, sanitation vehicle, utility service vehicle, wrecker or road and bridge maintenance or construction vehicle when driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two or more lanes.
- Always signal your intention to change lanes.
- Be prepared to allow those who are attempting to move over into the next lane.
- If moving over cannot be safely accomplished, slow down to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 mph or greater; or travel at 5 mph when the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less when driving on a two-lane road.
In 2014, utility and sanitation vehicles were added to the law, and in July 2021 the law was modified to include road and bridge maintenance or construction vehicles displaying warning lights, highway safety department said in a news release.
Fines and penalties
The department said preliminary data showed 191 crashes and more than 14,000 citations were issued as a result of drivers failing to move over in Florida.
The penalty for failing to comply with the Move Over Act in Manatee County is $136, according to the Manatee County Circuit Clerk’s website.
For more information on the Move Over Law and awareness campaign, visit the state’s Move Over site here.
This story was originally published January 3, 2022 at 3:13 PM.
