Florida's Move Over Law Update

Our topic today is to inform you about important updates to the Florida Move Over Law, we decide to write about it because the large number of people admitting not knowing anything or never heard about it. However, the lack of knowledge has had very sad and costly consequences in Florida and through the USA in general.

Driving on Florida's highways can be a beautiful experience, especially when you're surrounded by scenic views and warm weather. However, it's crucial to remember that safety should always be a top priority while behind the wheel. One important law designed to enhance safety on Florida's roads is the Move Over Law.

What is the Move Over Law? Florida's Move Over Law is a traffic regulation originally introduced in 1971 and added to Florida Statutes Chapter 316.126 in 2002. Designed to protect emergency personnel and others who work alongside our roadways. Enacted to reduce the risk of accidents involving emergency vehicles and utility service vehicles, this law requires drivers to take specific actions when approaching these vehicles on the road.

Definition of Emergency Vehicle: an authorized vehicle to provide medical services, rescue services or enforce law to maintain order, usually they are equipped with lights and sirens as required by law to be visible from far.

 

The Move Over Law in Florida has two different aspects to be explain:

1- When the emergency vehicle is approaching from behind: in this case is any police car, ambulance, fire truck or fire rescue vehicle. Let's see the scenarios:

1a) we should move over (when we can safely do so) to provide sufficient room/space for them to pass, or 

1b) If we are driving in a one lane road, we should pull over as soon as it is safe to the side of the road and don’t move until they pass.

2- When the emergency vehicle is stopped ahead of us: in this case is any police car, ambulance, fire truck, fire rescue vehicles, tow trucks, utility service vehicles/trucks or garbage trucks. Let's see the scenarios:

2a) we should move over a lane (whenever possible) allowing an empty lane between our vehicle and the emergency one, or

2b) If we can’t mover over or we are driving in a two-lane road, we should slow down to drive 20 mph below the posted speed limit, or

2c) If the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less, we should drive at 5 mph.

(Here we refer to any police car, ambulance, fire truck, fire rescue vehicles, tow trucks, utility service vehicles/trucks or garbage trucks.)

Failure to obey this law, is a moving violation punishable with fine, fees and points on our driving record, as disclosed on Florida Statutes Chapter 316.126.

Florida's Move Over Law is a vital piece of legislation aimed at ensuring the safety of those who work alongside our roadways. By following the provisions of this law, you not only avoid penalties but also contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone on the road. Remember, safety should always come first when you're behind the wheel, and complying with the Move Over Law is a simple yet effective way to help achieve that goal. So, the next time you encounter an emergency vehicle, utility service vehicle, or tow truck on the roadside, make sure to move over or slow down.

 

Effective January 1st, 2024

 

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JMP Driving School, is a leading company located in Miami, FL with over 25 years of experience helping customers to get their learner's permit, offering driving lessons making our roads safer one student at a time, and helping drivers to keep their driving records clean when they get traffic citations.