What is the “Move Over” Law? When a police officer, ambulance, fire truck, or other emergency vehicles have their sirens and/ or lights utilized, all surrounding vehicles are to slow down by twenty (20) miles per hour and get out of the way! This is usually supported by a vehicle moving into the adjacent lane while the emergency vehicle is passing.
On an interstate or highway where all traffic is moving in the same direction, if an officer or other emergency vehicle, or if a person is experiencing motor vehicle problems and have parked on the side of the interstate or highway, it is mandatory that all surrounding vehicles vacate the lane nearest those said vehicles.
Failure to do so can result in a plethora of negative consequences.
Infractions regarding Florida’s Move Over Law Include:
While every case is different, there are common ways to defend this charge.
In the heat of the moment, for example, it can be difficult to assess whether or not there is room to vacate the lane in time without causing a motor vehicle accident. In addition, an officer needs to prove that the person driving was not slowing down.
The law does not require a driver to stop their vehicle when an emergency vehicle is passing, but it does require a driver to slow down. Depending on when the emergency vehicle turned on their lights and sirens, the accused driver may not have had the time to slow down and the officer may have made an adjust call by citing them with a moving violation.
To properly understand the best defense for your matter, call our experienced, diligent lawyers who will take your case seriously and will provide you with the best defense possible. After all, if you don’t fight it, you will most certainly be charged. Call us today at 1-800-FIGHT-IT(1-800-344-4848)!
Attorney David A. Haenel, renowned in Florida for his excellent record in criminal defense, DUI, and traffic ticket cases, and has been delivering favorable outcomes for his clients since 2000. With a law degree and a Master of Law in criminal law, his background includes a notable tenure as the State of Florida DUI Prosecutor of the Year
