Come Jan. 1, motorists in Florida will be required to move over when they encounter a disabled vehicle displaying either its hazard lights, emergency flairs or emergency signage. Violators could be cited with a noncriminal moving violation and a fine of up to $158.
The new statute, signed June 5 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is actually an expansion of the state’s original Move Over Law.
That law already requires motorists to move over for emergency, sanitation, utility service or road and bridge maintenance or construction vehicles or wreckers that are performing tasks along the roadside or flashing their lights. This applies to any interstate or highway with at least two lanes traveling in the direction of these vehicles.
If moving over is not possible, the motorist must reduce speed to 20 mph less than the posted speed limit where that limit is 25 mph or more.
The new expansion applies to disabled vehicles exhibiting emergency lighting or signage or simply when they are stopped and at least one person is visibly present. Florida becomes the 17th state to enact this law.
The law received support from AAA – The Auto Club Group.
According to AAA:
- From 2016 to 2020, an average 350 people were struck and killed annually while outside a disabled vehicle on the roadside.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that two emergency responders were struck and killed each month. This included tow workers.
- Almost 43 out of every 100,000 tow operators are killed each year, according to government data.
In a recent media release, AAA made the following recommendations:
For drivers:
- Remain alert, avoid distractions and focus on driving.
- Keep an eye out for emergency vehicles — including tow trucks — that have their lights on as well as cars that have their flashers on. Move over one lane when you see them and if you can’t move over, slow down to safely pass them.
- Be a good passenger — help identify roadway issues and remind the driver to slow down and move over.
- Watch for people on the roadside. Just because you don’t immediately see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there, bent down by their vehicle, in front of the vehicle or about to get in or out of the vehicle.
For stranded motorists:
- Pull as far over on the shoulder that’s safely possible to create more distance between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
- Turn your hazard lights on so other drivers are aware you are in distress.
- If you are able to safely make it to the next exit or stopping point, do so.
- Call for assistance.
- Remain with your vehicle as long as it’s safe to do so.
- If getting out of your vehicle, watch the oncoming traffic for a good time to exit, and remain close to your vehicle. Try to avoid turning your back to traffic whenever possible.
