Florida’s Move Over Law Has Been Expanded. Here’s What All Drivers Need To Know

Florida’s move-over law requires drivers to move over a lane in case they come across stopped law enforcement, sanitation, or emergency vehicles, among others. Vehicles are required to move over a lane in such circumstances as long as they can safely do so. However, the law has been expanded recently to continue prioritizing the safety of all Floridians. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the new law, which requires drivers to move over for broken-down vehicles as well.

Florida’s Expanded Move-Over Law

Florida’s original move-over law requires motorists to move over a lane when they encountered the following:

• Stopped law enforcement vehicles
• Sanitation and utility service vehicles
• Emergency responders
• Tow trucks or wreckers
• Maintenance or construction vehicles with displayed warning lights without advanced signs or channelizing devices

However, the new law signed by the governor includes three additional scenarios in which drivers are required to move over a lane. Firstly, they need to move over if they come across a disabled vehicle that has stopped on the road and is displaying hazard lights or warning lights. Secondly, they must also move over if the vehicle has stopped and displays emergency signage or uses emergency flares. In addition, motorists are required to move over a lane if they encounter a vehicle that has stopped and one or more people are visibly present inside it.

In case the driver is unable to move over due to safety reasons or due to driving on a two-lane road, the law requires them to slow down to a speed that is 20 mph lesser than the posted speed limit. In case the posted speed limit is 20 mph or lesser, the driver needs to slow down to a speed of 5 mph. According to Clarksville car accident lawyers, failure to do so can lead to fines and result in demerit points on the driving license. This is because not moving over in such circumstances increases the chances of a traffic crash, putting the lives of commuters at risk.

A Necessary Addition

The American Automobile Association, or AAA, has welcomed this change to Florida’s move-over law. Mark Jenkins, the public relations manager for AAA, mentioned that the association started advocating for a stronger move-over law in the latter part of 2022 with their ‘Move Over for Me’ campaign.

“We are extremely grateful that Florida lawmakers took this necessary action to enhance protection for all motorists, in addition to the first responders who come to their aid,” he added. Although passed, the law isn’t in force at present. It will be effective from 1st January 2024 onwards. Until then, drivers and commuters are encouraged to be vigilant while on the road and practice distraction-free driving.

According to a statement by the association, between 2016 to 2020, close to 350 people were killed annually while outside a disabled vehicle. Emergency responders and tow operators also face deadly crashes caused by drivers who fail to adhere to the move-over law. Expanding the law to include broken-down vehicles will likely reduce such occurrences if enforced properly.

Things Drivers Need To Keep In Mind

Traffic crashes can be fatal and change your life forever. Therefore, drivers need to be attentive while on the road and keep an eye on all surroundings without distraction. If you encounter any emergency vehicles or cars displaying warning lights, move over a lane. In case it isn’t possible to move over, slow down as per the prescribed speed limit before passing the vehicle. If your vehicle breaks down on the road, immediately turn on the hazard lights before asking for assistance. Keep an eye on the traffic and remain close to your vehicle until help arrives.