What is the Move Over Law in Florida?
The Move Over Law has been in effect in Florida since the early 2000s, but many people are still not aware of it. Still, ignorance is not a defense to the law and failing to follow the Move Over Law can have serious consequences. Violating this law not only results in fines, but can also result in a driver being held liable if someone becomes hurt. Below, our Tampa car accident attorney explains more about this law so you can ensure you are in compliance.
Understanding Florida’s Move Over Law
Florida’s Move Over Law mandates that when drivers approach a stationary emergency vehicle or service vehicle, such as a sanitation vehicle, utility service vehicle, or a tow truck, and the lights are activated, drivers must change lanes to provide the emergency or service vehicle with as much space as possible. When it is impossible to move over one lane away from the vehicle, drivers must slow down to 20 miles per hour (MPH) less than the posted speed limit. When the speed limit is 20 MPH or lower, drivers should slow their vehicle down to 5 MPH.
It is important that drivers do not cross the yellow lane into oncoming traffic to comply with the law, as this is also very dangerous. In these situations, drivers should slow down to 20 MPH below the posted speed limit. While pedestrians typically have the right-of-way, when an emergency or service vehicle is stationary on the side of the road and has its lights on, pedestrians must also yield to the vehicle.
When the law was first enacted in 2002, it only included emergency and service vehicles. Today, the law includes any disabled vehicle, which is any vehicle stopped on the side of a multi-lane highway with flares, hazard lights, or emergency signage activated, or when a person is visibly present.
Penalties for Violating the Move Over Law
Although the Move Over Law seems fairly minor, there are serious consequences for violating it. These include:
- Three points added to your driver’s license
- A fine between $158 and $164, although this can vary by county
- Higher insurance premiums if there are too many points on your driver’s license
- Accumulating too many points on your driver’s license can result in a suspension
People often do not intend to violate the law, but that is not a defense. Many drivers in Florida are older and received their driver’s license prior to the law being enacted in 2002. Still, the above penalties are not the worst-case scenario. The law was enacted to protect the safety of workers and others who have to pull over to the side of a road, particularly a multi-lane highway. Violating this law could result in serious injury or even death, for which you can be held liable if you were breaking the law at the time of an accident.
Our Car Accident Attorney in Tampa Can Advise On Your Case
It is important to understand all of the traffic laws in Florida so you are not held liable for a crash. If you have been hurt and the other side is arguing that you were at fault even though it is not true, our Tampa car accident attorney at Moore Law can help. Call us today at 813-510-5400 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal advice you need.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/move-over/
