Slow Down! Save Lives!

FHP Reminds Drivers of Move Over Law

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), is partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Sheriffs Association, and AAA to drive the Move Over message statewide ensuring all emergency, service professionals, utility workers and disabled motorists that work or are parked along Florida’s roadways arrive alive.

While most drivers understand to pull over for emergency vehicles approaching from behind, state law also requires vehicles to move over a lane for certain emergency and service vehicles stopped on the side of the road, or slow down if they cannot safely move over. In 2022, 170 crashes and 14,130 citations were issued in Florida for motorists failing to move over. Those who were issued citations were primarily between the ages of 20 and 50. 

Officials emphasize that moving over benefits everyone. FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner encourages motorists to “protect not only emergency, utility, and sanitation vehicles but also your family and loved ones by keeping your eyes on the road and moving over when you see a vehicle, including a disabled vehicle, on the side of the road. If you can’t move over, you should decrease your speed to 20 miles an hour and pass cautiously. Save a life and move over.” 

Law enforcement agencies around the state are continuing to educate the public. Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said extra care is needed in Panama City Beach, especially since there is so much road construction. The Move Over Law protects all local residents and visitors, as well as those working along the roadways. Officials said nearly 350 people are struck and killed outside a disabled vehicle each year. Slowing down and moving over when possible is the right thing to do.