What is the “Move Over” Law?

Pennsylvania’s “Move Over” Law requires drivers to switch lanes or slow down to 20mph less than the posted speed limit when approaching an emergency response area. An emergency response area is defined as an area where an emergency vehicle, such as police, first responders, or a tow truck is staged. Additionally, the law requires drivers to switch lanes or reduce speed when approaching disabled vehicles when at least two emergency displays, such as cones, caution signs, or vehicle hazard lamps are posted to warn passing vehicles.

What Changes were Made to the PA “Move Over” Law?

The revamped “Move Over” Law increased penalties for drivers who violate the law, as well as added the requirement for drivers to slow down to 20mph less than the posted speed limit if moving over is not possible. Further, the new law requires drivers of disabled vehicles to utilize at least one of three following warning measures to alert passing vehicles:

• Hazard lights
• Traffic control devices (orange cones, etc.)
• Road flares

What are the Penalties for Violating the New “Move Over” Law?

The penalties for failing to switch lanes or reduce speed to 20mph less than the posted speed limit in the event a driver cannot move over are as follows:

• First Offense: $500
• Second Offense: $1,000
• Subsequent Offenses: $2,000 fine and a 90-day license suspension

Additionally, drivers may be fined up to $10,000 in the event they injure or kill a first responder attending to a disabled vehicle.

Further, the revised law created a point system that imposes two points for failure to switch lanes when passing a emergency response area or disabled vehicle.

Why is this Law Important?

While the severity of the law may seem obvious, many drivers have continued to dismiss the requirements, resulting in property damage and in severe instances, death. PA state police has reported that 55 of their vehicles were struck while pulled off in an emergency response area in the 2020 alone. Additionally, the law takes effect during National Work Zone Awareness Week, to which PennDOT and PA state police partner with the PA Turnpike Commission to highlight the important of safe driving in work zones.

Questions About the Revamped “Move Over” Law?

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