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Florida’s Move Over Law: How to Stay Safe and Avoid a Ticket
In 2023, House Bill 425 went into effect, making Florida’s “Move Over Law” official. It required motorists to move over into the next lane or reduce their speed to 20 m.p.h. below the posted speed limit if they encountered a stopped first responder, tow truck, or other emergency vehicle. Despite these measures, and particularly in Florida, roadside injuries persisted at an alarming rate.
Approximately 350 people are killed per year standing outside a disabled vehicle on the side of the road. In Florida alone, there were 176 crashes in 2023 due to vehicles not moving over. Tow truck drivers are particularly vulnerable, with 43 out of every 100,000 being killed in roadside crashes.
Clearly more safety measures were needed. Effective January 1, 2024, Florida’s Move Over Law has been expanded to require motorists to move over not just for first responders, but for any stopped vehicle with warning/hazard lights, emergency flares/signals, or that is stopped with at least one person present.
Failure to obey the new law can result in a noncriminal moving violation that can result in a $158 fine. Of course, more important than avoiding a ticket or fine is making sure that we are alert so that no one gets hurt.
Wishing everyone a wonderful summer, stay safe (and cool!) out there!
Sarah and Chuck
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