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Move Over Law is now in effect in state

Posted By: VenangoExtra.com April 28, 2021

From staff reports

The state’s new Move Over Law took effect Tuesday, and PennDOT is reminding motorists the law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area to move away from the area and lower their speed or face fines up to $2,000.

Under the new law, drivers who are unable to safely merge into a lane farther away from the response area must slow to at least 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.

PennDOT defines an emergency response area as where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have lighted flares, posted signs, or try to warn travelers.

Drivers must move over or slow down for all responders, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, as well as stopped tow trucks and maintenance vehicles. Additionally, a similar regulation requires motorists to move over or slow down when approaching a stationary trash or recycling truck.

Failure to move over or slow down will result in a citation that carries a fine of $500 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 and a 90-day license suspension for a third or subsequent offense. Penalties are increased for incidents that seriously injure or kill another person.

More information on the Move Over Law is available at www.PennDOT.gov/Safety.

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