JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An expanded version of Florida's "move over" law which went into effect Monday requires drivers to give space to any vehicle stopped on the roadway.
Florida law requires already required drives to move over a lane for stopped law enforcement, emergency and service vehicles. Now with the expansion of the "move over" law, drivers are required to get out of lanes closest to any disabled vehicle on the side of the road. Violations will carry a fine of up to $158.
State data shows that multiple crashes have happened because a driver simply didn’t move over for a stopped vehicle.
In Duval County in 2023, 436 move over citations were issued to drivers and investigators say 7 total crashes happened due to drivers not moving over. During the January Safety Campaign, FHP troopers will hold educational campaigns to inform drivers of the expansion.
FHP Colonel Gary Howze said in a statement; “The Move Over Law protects all of Florida’s citizens and visitors…In addition to providing public service professionals the space they need to deliver critical services.”
If you can’t move over safely, you must slow down to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit and pass cautiously.