OWL Promotes Move Over Awareness Month
To ensure the safety of first responders and motorists on highways, Code of Virginia, Section 46.2–861.1 indicates that drivers are required to move over for stationary or moving vehicles of law enforcement, fire & rescue vehicles, utility vehicles that are towing or servicing disabled vehicles, and road maintenance vehicles such as Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
On July 1, 2023, Virginia’s amended the Move Over Law to now include that when on highways with at least four lanes, where at least two of which are intended for traffic, if a motorist has activated their hazard warning signal flashers, is displaying caution signs, or is marked with properly lit flares or torches, drivers must yield the right-of-way to the stationary vehicle.
- Drivers should, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the stationary vehicle
- If changing lanes would be unreasonable or unsafe because of traffic conditions, drivers should proceed cautiously. Slow down/reduce speed when passing. Remember to maintain a safe speed for highway conditions.
On highways, when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind, drivers should look in their rearview mirror to gauge the location of the emergency vehicle approaching while also monitoring the flow of moving traffic. Motorists should then:
- Safely move to the right, if possible.
- If you’re unable to move over:
- Stay in your lane and safely reduce your speed while emergency vehicles pass
- Drivers should NEVER try to pass an emergency vehicle or speed up to stay ahead of it.
- When traveling behind any moving emergency vehicle displaying warning lights and sounding a siren, motorists should stay at least 500 feet behind the emergency vehicle.
When traffic is heavy on the highway, fire and rescue operators may use the shoulder to pass to the right of vehicles in the driving lanes.
- After emergency vehicles pass and traffic begins to resume:
- Don’t move hastily; take a few seconds to look around before moving your vehicle.
- If reentering the roadway, scan your mirrors to be sure it’s safe to reenter into traffic.
- Use your turn signals before reentering to let other drivers know your intentions.
- As you approach the emergency scene, stay alert.
- Distractions, such as trying to look at the scene versus paying attention to the road could result in you being an accident.
- Pay attention to any direction that first responders give as you pass the scene.
- Drive slowly, but don’t stop, unless you are directed to stop.
- Try to maintain a safe distance from the scene as you pass. This will keep you safe and allow first responders to do their job safely.
- Be mindful. First responders may be exiting their vehicles or getting supplies and tools from their vehicle compartments near the traffic lane.
- Remain patient. First responders understand that accidents may cause traffic congestion. They are working as fast as they can to safely clear the scene.
Failure to comply with Virginia’s Move Over Law is a single violation treated as a traffic infraction. Second or continual offenses may be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
For more information on Virginia’s Move Over Law, visit the Virginia Department of Transportation’s website see the Code of Virginia, Section 46.2–861.1