Know Your Laws: The Florida "Move Over Act"

Drivers in Florida are required by law to look out for any authorized emergency vehicles - including law enforcement vehicles - that are stopped on a highway and "move over" or "slow down."This act has been in effect since 2002, and it has several important provisions.

On interstate highways or any highway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction as a stopped emergency vehicle:

• Drivers are required to safely vacate the lane closest to the vehicle unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.

On two-lane roadways where there is no other lane to occupy, drivers must slow down to safely accommodate the emergency vehicle. The law says that, unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers must slow down:

• If the speed limit is 25 mph or greater, drivers must slow down to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.
• If the speed limit is less than 25 mph, drivers must drive at no more than 5 miles per hour.

This law was passed in response to the high number of collisions that involved stopped law enforcement vehicles causing injury and death. By following the "Move Over Act" that we have outline, drivers will help to protect our Florida law enforcement workers, other emergency workers, and all who share the roads.