Law enforcement officers, emergency workers, tow truck drivers, sanitation vehicles and utility service vehicles are frequently seen alongside the highway performing their duties. However, it is extremely dangerous when they are working near the road while vehicles are speeding by. That is why Florida passed the Move Over Law (MOL).
The MOL tries to protect officers and other workers from fast moving traffic around where they are stopped.
The law requires a person to do the following if they see emergency crews, law enforcement, tow truck drivers, sanitation vehicles and utility service vehicles stopped roadside:
- If on a two-lane roadway, a person must slowdown 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.
- If the speed limit on a road is less than 20 miles per hour, a driver is required to slowdown to five miles per hour.
- If a person is traveling on any major highway with multiple lanes headed in one direction, they need to move out of the lane that is closest to the stopped vehicle.
- Failure to follow the MOL can result in a fine and points to a person’s driver license.
What Changes Were Made to the Move Over Law in July?
The MOL had changes that went into effect earlier this month. The law added sanitation vehicles and utility service vehicles that other drivers must be mindful of when driving past.
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHW), the most important thing you can do when driving past these vehicles that are stopped along the highway is to stay alert.
From emergency workers to utility service workers, all of us Floridians depend on the services provided by our public servants; the least we can do is offer them the respect they deserve by being extra cautious when driving near them.
Drive safe, Florida!