OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Education on laws is important, especially when they directly involve hindering the police.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), along with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), is kicking off the new year with a campaign that hopes to educate Florida drivers on an imperative road law.

The departments are partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA), and Auto Club Group AAA for January’s “Move Over” Public Safety Campaign.

FLHSMV first introduced the Move Over law in 1971, requiring Florida drivers to move or yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles. The law has been amended to cover a larger radius. In 2014, utility and sanitation vehicles were added, with the law further amended in 2021 to add road and bridge maintenance/ construction vehicles displaying warning lights.

This past year, the law further expanded to include moving over for all disabled vehicles on the side of the road that are stopped and display warning/hazard lights.

FLHSMV says if for whatever reason a driver cannot move over, or if they are driving on a two-lane highway, they must slow to a speed that is 20 mph or less than the speed limit. The department says drivers should slow down to 5 mph if the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less.

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FLHSMV says failure to abide by the move over law puts law enforcement, first responders, service professionals and motorists at risk of serious injury. According to FLHSMV, in the year 2022, there were 170 crashes, and more than 14,000 citations issued for Florida drivers who failed to move over.

Violation of the Move Over law results in a fine, fees, and points on your driving record, according to FLHSMV.

“By understanding and respecting the move-over law, every driver can contribute to a safer environment,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Safely changing lanes or slowing down when passing stopped vehicles not only protects lives but also reinforces our collective commitment to road safety. State Troopers have zero tolerance for these dangerous violations and will take enforcement action when a violation is observed.”

As part of the campaign, FLHSMV have posted some safety tips for disabled motorists who are forced to use the shoulder of the road to temporarily park their car:

  • Be safe, be seen. If you are in a disabled vehicle, make sure that you not only pull over to the side of the road but also ensure that you can be seen by using your hazard lights, wearing a reflective vest, or, if you have them, placing reflective triangles (the reflective side facing oncoming traffic) or traffic cones behind your vehicle to make sure that oncoming drivers see you on the side of the road.
  • Always use caution. Always use caution when exiting or working on your vehicle. Do not step into the road or oncoming traffic and never enter the roadway to flag down vehicles for assistance.
  • Never stop in the travel lanes. When possible, you should always exit the highway and park at a location where other drivers expect vehicles to be parked. If you are unable to stop in an optimal location, prioritize stopping on the right-hand shoulder as opposed to the left-hand shoulder. Avoid stopping at unsafe locations such as on a bridge.
  • Call your roadside assistance provider or a tow truck if necessary. Keep your seatbelt on! If you are involved in a crash, you can call *FHP (*347) on Florida’s highways for additional assistance. You can also call 911 if it is an emergency. Never exit your car to flag down other motorists for assistance. DO NOT WALK INTO THE ROADWAY!
  • If it is unsafe to exit your vehicle, remain seated with your seatbelt on. If it is safe, make sure you exit your vehicle from the side facing opposite the roadway. Pay attention to vehicle traffic while making the necessary repairs and ensure you never enter the roadway while working on your vehicle.

Furthermore, the department has some tips for drivers passing through, starting with a self-explanatory one:

  • Move over; it’s the law. If you cannot change lanes, you must slow down. The law specifies that if a driver can’t move over — or when on a two-lane highway — slow to a speed that is 20 mph or less than the posted speed limit. Slow down to 5 mph when the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less.
  • When you see an emergency or service vehicle with flashing lights, your immediate response should be safely moving over one lane. This creates a protective buffer for roadside workers.
  • Before changing lanes, assess the traffic around you. Ensure that the lane change can be made safely without putting yourself or other drivers at risk.
  • Look ahead for disabled vehicles or roadside personnel so you can slow down and approach cautiously.
  • Reduced visibility at night makes it more difficult to see vehicles stop in time, especially during inclement weather. Extra caution and heightened awareness are essential.
  • Stay focused on driving and remain alert. This is particularly important on highways, where vehicles are travel at higher speeds, and quick reactions are necessary.
  • Avoid multitasking while driving. Refrain from texting and other phone-related distractions. Be prepared for sudden stops or slow traffic, especially near accident scenes or where vehicles are pulled over.
  • Regularly check and maintain your vehicle’s headlights and windshield to ensure maximum visibility during nighttime driving.

FHP troopers will look to focus on educating the public about the Move Over Law engaging with individuals and motorists during their patrols.

Information on Florida’s Move Over Law, including downloadable campaign materials, can be found on FLHSMV’s Move Over webpage.

FLHSMV will also look to target new and young drivers on the Move Over Law with information in the Florida Driver Handbook. The department plans to include questions on the law on the Florida driver knowledge exam.