Gail Tierney
Citrus County Sheriff's Office

Since July 1, 2002, Florida motorists are required to move over or slow down when emergency vehicles are stopped on the side of roadways with their lights flashing.

Then why is it that drivers still fail to understand the critical importance of the state’s Move Over Act?

When approaching a lights-flashing patrol car, ambulance, tow truck or other emergency vehicle parked along the roadway, motorists are mandated to obey the law in order to protect the people whose job it is to keep the community safe day after day. Common sense tells us to take the proper precautions and let emergency workers handle the situation without the risk of being injured or killed.

The law states that on Florida’s interstate highways or other highways with two or more lanes of travel in the same direction, motorists approaching an authorized law enforcement or emergency vehicle parked on the roadside with emergency lights activated are required to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle as soon as it’s safe to do so (or unless otherwise directed by any law enforcement officer).

When traveling on two-lane roadways (or when moving over safely simply isn’t a viable option), drivers are required to slow to a speed that’s 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. In special cases where the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, drivers must drop their speed to 5 miles per hour, unless a law enforcement officer directs them otherwise.

Failure to adhere to Florida’s Move Over Act is classified as a moving violation and carries with it a fine, plus points added to the driver’s license record.

Here in Citrus County, 16 citations were issued during calendar year 2009 for failure to move over for an emergency vehicle. The fine for this traffic violation is $166, with three points added.

Be aware that other states have similar laws as well, so whenever you’re out driving and see flashing lights and emergency vehicles ahead, make sure you take the proper precautions by moving over or slowing down. Not only does it protect law enforcement officers, tow-truck operators and other emergency workers, but motorists, too. It’s time to approach with caution, do the right thing and save lives. 
 
Gail Tierney is public information officer for the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. She has been with the agency for 20 years. Comments or suggestions may be directed to Gail at (352) 341-7460, or gtierney@sheriffcitrus.org.