Our dedicated law enforcement officers, firefighters, and all first responders, risk life and limb to protect and serve the public. That’s why since 2002 we have supported the Move Over Law by promoting public awareness of this life-saving law. Drivers know to make room when you’re headed to an accident scene, but too few know that, when you’re stopped with your emergency lights flashing, the law requires you to move over and slow down. As the FHP’s Move Over Law brochure says, “PLEASE GIVE US ROOM TO WORK. SHOULDER RESPONSIBILITY. Move over. Slow down. It’s the law!”
We feel it’s important to help spread this life-saving word. Drivers need to think about the highway and traffic accident dangers these first responder personnel face every day. Here is Terrell • Hogan’s Public Service Announcement on the Move Over Law: Move Over.
The FHP’s Move Over Law message:
• On a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to five miles per hour.
• If you are driving on an interstate or roadway with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction, and you approach an emergency or law enforcement vehicle parked along the roadway, you must vacate the lane closest to that vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
• If you are not able to safely move over, you must slow down to a speed of 20 MPH below the posted speed limit unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer. Violating the move over law puts both yourself and a public safety professional at risk. Violating the move over law can result in a fine and points on your license.
FHP’s Move Over Law Message: Florida law enforcement officers are serious about enforcement of the Move Over Law!
For more information about Florida’s Move Over Law, please click here.
Florida’s Move Over Law Brochure