Move Over Florida!

Florida’s Move Over law protects first responders and service vehicles

In 2016, there were more than 200 crashes that occurred and 5,518 citations issued for failure to move over in Florida.

This month, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is reminding all motorists to Move Over for stopped law enforcement, first responders, service and utility vehicles and Road Rangers during its second annual Move Over, Florida! campaign.

“DHSMV is committed to safety on Florida’s roadways, and the Move Over Law protects the public servants who must work roadside each day,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “The simple act of moving over not only gives law enforcement, first responders, service and utility vehicles and Road Rangers space to do their job in an intensely dangerous setting, it also helps to ensure they are able to return home to their loved ones following their shift each day.”

The Move Over Law was added to the Florida Statutes in 2002. The statute requires motorists to move or yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles, and in 2014, utility and sanitation vehicles were added to the Move Over Law. The Move Over Law states that drivers must move over as soon as it is safe to do so for any authorized law enforcement, emergency or service vehicles displaying any visible signals while stopped on the roadside, including Road Rangers, sanitation vehicles and tow trucks.

“The Move Over Law is about providing a safe work environment for everyone who patrols or delivers critical services along the roadway,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “The Florida Highway Patrol will continue to be proactive in our enforcement of this law to ensure the public understands the Move Over Law and are complying with it.”

When motorists cannot vacate the lane closest to the emergency or service vehicle, they must slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. Failure to yield or move over puts law enforcement officers, emergency first responders and public service workers in danger while they are on the job protecting and serving the citizens and visitors of Florida.

“The men and women of our sheriffs’ offices work tirelessly, sometimes under difficult circumstances, to proudly protect the citizens we serve,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President Jerry L. Demings. “Our Florida sheriffs applaud and fully support the Move Over, Florida! campaign to protect those who protect us.”

To comply with the Move Over Law drivers must:

Multi-Lane Roadway:

• Vacate the lane closest to the stationary emergency vehicle, sanitation vehicle, utility service vehicle, Road Ranger or wrecker and always signal the intention to change lanes.
• Slow down to a speed of 20 mph below the posted speed limit if a driver cannot move over safely.
• Be prepared to allow those who are attempting to move over into the next lane.

Two-Lane Roadway:

• Slow down to a speed of 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
• Travel at 5 mph if the speed limit is 20 mph or less.

The public is encouraged to report aggressive drivers by dialing *FHP (*347). For more information on the Move Over Law, visit: https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/move-over/.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. DHSMV is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter @FLHSMV or find us on Facebook. For safe driving tips and techniques, download the official Florida Driver License Handbook.