Move over Law

OUCH..that sucks...

Actually, that law has been in effect for several years but was not enforced. It was due to sunset on 01/01/10, but the California lawmakers removed the sunset clause as of 01/01/10. Many (most?) states that have this law require the driver (who is unable to safely change lanes) to slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit. California law only requires the driver to "slow down".

From the California Highway Patrol website:

Move Over/Slow Down (SB 159, Simitian) The new law removes the January 1, 2010, sunset
date on Sections 21809 VC and 25253 VC. Section 21809 VC requires a person driving a
vehicle on a freeway and approaching in a lane immediately adjacent to a stationary, authorized
emergency vehicle that displays emergency lights, or a stationary tow truck that displays flashing
amber warning lights, to safely make a lane change from that lane, or slow to a reasonable speed.
Section 25253 VC requires tow trucks used to tow disabled vehicles to be equipped with flashing
amber warning lamps and authorizes tow trucks to display flashing amber warning lamps while
providing service to a disabled vehicle. However, this section prohibits tow trucks from
displaying flashing amber warning lamps on a freeway except when an unusual traffic hazard or
extreme hazard exists.

John

Also note that this law only pertains to freeways.

John

As far as I know, in Ontario (Canada) the law applies on any road that has more than one lane in the same direction. After seeing the odd video showing a cop being taken out by a car, I completely support this type of law.

Of course, our fines are just as heavy.

- Drivers who do not pull over and stop for an approaching emergency vehicle could face a fine of $110 upon conviction ($150 in a community safety zone).

- Failing to move over for a stopped emergency vehicle can result in a fine of up to $2,000 plus three demerit points. Subsequent offences can result in a fine of up to $4,000, six months in prison and a two-year driver's licence suspension.

Not fun if it happens to you, but a lot less fun if you're on the receiving end of the possible consequences of those who don't follow it.

Mark

ISN'T THAT WONDERFUL...

THEY'VE GONE AND MADE RUBBER-NECKING NOT ONLY LEGAL, BUT MANDATORY!!??

IDIOTS!!!!

I would change lanes for any car on the side of the freeway with people out of the vehicle. Just as a common courtesy.

quote:

Just as a common courtesy.

Agreed, as do I.

quote:

safely make a lane change from that lane, or slow to a reasonable speed.

Safely or reasonable...that wording sadly sort of leaves things open to interpretation by an officer who may or may not have been having a bad day.

Just seems like a catch-all VC section that can easily be abused. And when word gets out to the nervous-nellie driving geeks this will cause them to go even slower than they already do.

Larry

I read elsewhere that the fine is much lower, and this story of a son getting a $754 ticket is either an exaggeration or missing details. My guess is that the son didn't pull over AND was speeding to the point that the cop took off after him because he really was being unsafe.

Regardless of the fine accuracy, I hadn't heard about this law either. I try to move over whenever someone is on the side of the freeway or road. Safer for everyone.

You can see how some cops could use this law as an excuse to ticket instead of enforcing it by the intent of the law.

Unfortunately more often than not I seem to be the guy pulled over at the side of the road, so yes please move over