The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol remind drivers that January is Move Over Month. Under Florida law, vehicles are required to move over a lane for an emergency, service, utility, and disabled vehicles stopped on the side of the road, or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if it is not safe to move over.
The Move Over Act was originally enacted in 2002 to help protect law enforcement officers, first responders and other public servants while they provide critical services in one of the most dangerous environments: the side of the roadway. As of Jan. 1, 2025, the law has been expanded to include any vehicle parked on the side of the road with hazard lights flashing, emergency flares, or visible emergency signage. Even disabled vehicles or a vehicle with a flat tire is protected under the law.
“Unfortunately, over the years, we have seen many State Troopers, other law enforcement officers, and service professionals injured or killed by someone not giving them the room to work,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner. “These are preventable crashes that not only take our officers away from their families, but it also takes members of our communities, who gave freely to make Florida a safer place to live and travel. Please remember to slow down and move over. Lives depend on it.”
“We urge every driver to slow down and Move Over when approaching flashing lights. It’s not just the law,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze. “Moving over is common sense, common courtesy, and a simple action that can prevent a 100% preventable tragedy. Whether it’s law enforcement, emergency responders, tow trucks, or utility vehicles—slow down and Move Over. Your decision can be the difference between life and death.”
"The safety of everyone on Florida's roads matters and by staying alert and avoiding distractions, you make the roads safer for other drivers and those responding to emergencies," said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue. "When you see law enforcement officers, emergency responders, FDOT Road Rangers, or other crash responders assisting motorists, move over to give them extra room to work. Let's get everyone home safely."
In 2024, there were 205 crashes and more than 17,500 citations were issued for motorists failing to move over in Florida. Statistically, the age most likely to violate the Move Over Act are drivers aged 20-29. This age group is less likely to move over or slow down when they approach emergency, service or disabled vehicles. That is why FLHSMV educates new and young motorists on the Move Over Act with information in the driver handbook, even including Move Over questions on the driver exam.
