Move Over
Lights on the shoulder? Give them a lane.
The rule that keeps troopers, tow drivers and road crews alive, and what to do when you are the one stopped.
What the law says
When you come up on a vehicle stopped on the side of the road with its lights flashing, you must move over one lane, away from it. If you can’t move over safely, slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
The law applies on every road in Leonida, from Interstate 404 to a two-lane farm road in Ambrosia. On a road posted at 20 mph or less, slow down to 5 mph.
Who it protects
- Troopers, police and sheriff’s deputies
- Ambulances and fire trucks
- Tow trucks and Highway Assistance Patrol crews
- Road crews, utility trucks and garbage trucks working on the road
- Any driver stopped with hazard lights on
How to move over
- Look ahead: flashing lights on the shoulder are visible from far away
- Check your mirror and signal before you change lanes
- Never brake hard or swerve: if the lane is full, slow down instead
- Move back once you are well past the stopped vehicle
On a two-lane road, move toward the center line if it is clear, and slow down.
Why it matters
Most troopers hurt on the job in Leonida are hit on the shoulder, not in a chase. Every year, Highway Assistance Patrol crews and tow drivers are struck while changing a tire a few feet from traffic.
Give us a lane. It costs you two seconds and it gets us home.
Fines and points
Failing to move over is a moving violation: a fine and 3 points on your driver license. Twelve points in twelve months suspend the license.
If a crash hurts someone on the shoulder, the driver also faces criminal charges.
If you are the one stopped
- Pull as far to the right as you can, and turn on your hazard lights
- Stay buckled inside the car, or wait behind the guardrail, never between the car and traffic
- On the interstate or in the Keys, call the Highway Assistance Patrol at 1-800-555-0172
- If anyone is hurt or your car is in a live lane, call 911