Florida’s Updated Move Over Law for 2023
There are certain times when you are driving that you may have to move over a lane. Florida’s Move Over law indicates that drivers must look for a safe time to move over one lane when there are any stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility, tow trucks, or wrecker vehicles. Additionally, when there are maintenance vehicles or construction vehicles with warning lights, drivers also must move over a lane.
The reason that the move-over law was created and updated was to address the perils that law enforcement, emergency responders, construction workers, and others face when they are stopped on the road. When drivers do not give space to stopped cars, individuals associated with those stopped cars are at increased risk of suffering crashes and serious physical bodily harm. As a result, failure to abide by the rule and move over a lane in certain circumstances can mean that you could face legal punishments including fines and you may have points put on your license. If your failure to follow the law results in an accident where someone is injured or killed, then in addition to high fines, you may also be put in jail.
What Additions Were Added to Florida’s Move-Over Law?
It is important to follow the law and move over a lane when you see a stopped emergency or police vehicle. However, doing so is not always an easy thing or a possible one. When you are unable to move over because of heavy traffic or another barrier, then you must reduce your speed and drive 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. When the speed limit is posted at 20 mph, then you must adjust your vehicle speed to drive at 5 mph.
Due to the imminent danger that anyone stopped on a road is exposed to, the move-over law was updated in 2023 to also include all broken-down vehicles providing greater protections to anyone who has to be stopped on the side of the road. Now, when a broken-down vehicle is spotted, drivers must either reduce their speed if they cannot pull over or they must pull over one lane. Drivers must do this irrespective of whether there are any people in or near the stopped vehicle.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that Florida has high fatality rates concerning roadside accidents when compared to other states in the country. Most of these accidents happen by way of individuals who are covered under the move-over law who were hit by a vehicle failing to follow the law.
The move-over law is meant to provide protections and safeguards for individuals who are stopped on the side of the road, from law enforcement and emergency first responders to broken-down vehicles. It is imperative to follow the law not only to avoid penalties like fines and jail time but also to preserve the lives of individuals stopped on the side of the road.
Speak to an Attorney at Fulgencio Law
After a Florida car accident, you are welcome to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer at Fulgencio Law by calling (813) 463-0123.