Florida ‘move over’ law expands as annual safety campaign launches

Florida motorists are being reminded to move over for emergency, service professionals and utility workers as part of an annual campaign.

And for the first time, due to the expansion of Florida’s ‘move over’ law, drivers must also move over for all disabled vehicles stopped on the side of the road displaying warning, emergency or hazard lights, emergency flares or emergency signage.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) along with its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA), Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), and AAA – The Auto Club Group to drive home January’s ‘move over’ road safety initiative.

Throughout January, FHP troopers will continue to educate the public, individuals not complying with the Move Over Law, and other motorists they come into contact with. The public is encouraged to report aggressive or dangerous drivers by dialing *FHP (*347).

In 2022, there were 170 crashes in Florida with 14,130 citations issued for motorists failing to move over. Those who were issued citations were primarily between 20 and 50.

“Moving over benefits everyone,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Protect not only emergency, utility, and sanitation vehicles but also your family and loved ones by keeping your eyes on the road and moving over when you see a vehicle, including a disabled vehicle, on the side of the road. If you can’t move over, you should decrease your speed to 20 miles an hour and pass cautiously. Save a life and move over.”