Seeing flashing lights on the side of the highway usually triggers a quick tap of the brakes, but Florida officials say that isn’t enough. With January designated as “Move Over Month,” the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is launching a new campaign to remind motorists that giving roadside vehicles a wide berth isn’t just courteous—it’s the law, and failing to do so is causing preventable tragedies.
For years, the “Move Over” law was associated mainly with police cruisers and ambulances. However, a significant expansion to the law that took effect on January 1, 2025, has changed the rules for everyone.
Under the updated statute, drivers are now legally required to move over a lane for any vehicle stopped on the shoulder displaying hazard lights, emergency flares, or signage. This includes utility trucks, tow trucks, and even regular passenger cars with a flat tire. If traffic prevents a driver from changing lanes safely, they must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
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The push for awareness comes after a difficult year on Florida roads. In 2024 alone, the state recorded 205 crashes caused by drivers failing to yield the right of way to stopped vehicles. Troopers also issued more than 17,500 citations for violations of the act.
“Unfortunately, over the years, we have seen many State Troopers, other law enforcement officers, and service professionals injured or killed by someone not giving them the room to work,” said Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Kerner emphasized that the consequences go beyond twisted metal. “These are preventable crashes that not only take our officers away from their families, but it also takes members of our communities… Please remember to slow down and move over. Lives depend on it.”
State data reveals a specific demographic is driving much of the danger. Motorists aged 20 to 29 are statistically the most likely to violate the Move Over Act. Officials suggest this age group often fails to slow down or change lanes when approaching disabled vehicles, prompting the state to add specific questions about the law to the driver’s license exam to better educate young drivers.
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FHP Colonel Gary Howze described the maneuver as a matter of “common sense” that can stop a 100% preventable tragedy.
“Whether it’s law enforcement, emergency responders, tow trucks, or utility vehicles—slow down and Move Over,” Howze said. “Your decision can be the difference between life and death.”
The consequences for ignoring the law are steep. Beyond the physical danger, violators face fines, court fees, and points on their driving record.
Jared W. Perdue, Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, noted that the law is ultimately about getting people home to their families. “When you see law enforcement officers, emergency responders, FDOT Road Rangers, or other crash responders assisting motorists, move over to give them extra room to work,” Perdue said. “Let’s get everyone home safely.”
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