Florida’s Move Over Law is designed to protect emergency responders, utility workers, and disabled motorists on the state’s roadways. While it’s a straightforward concept—drivers must move over or slow down when approaching stopped vehicles with flashing lights—violations can lead to significant fines and points on your driving record.
This article explores the details of the law, its background, recent updates for 2024, and how a traffic lawyer at The Ticket Clinic can help reduce penalties or fight your ticket.
What Is Florida’s Move Over Law?
Florida’s Move Over Law is outlined in Florida Statute § 316.126. This statute requires drivers to take specific actions when approaching stopped vehicles displaying visual signals, such as flashing lights, hazard lights, or emergency flares.
The Law States:
- Change Lanes Safely: Drivers must vacate the lane closest to the stopped vehicle if it’s safe and legal to do so.
- Slow Down: If moving over isn’t possible, drivers must reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. On roads with speed limits of 20 mph or less, drivers should slow to 5 mph.
Failing to comply with these requirements can lead to fines, points on your license, and potential increases in your insurance premiums. This statue is grouped with several similar ones and categorized as “Failure Yielding The Right Of Way” infractions. In 2023, nearly 62,000 tickets were issued for these offenses.
History and Background
Florida introduced the Move Over Law in 2002 after numerous incidents involving emergency responders being struck by vehicles while working on the side of the road. Initially, the law focused on law enforcement and emergency personnel, but over the years, it expanded to include other groups:
- 2014 Update: Protections were extended to sanitation workers and utility service vehicles displaying flashing lights.
- 2021 Update: The law added road construction and maintenance vehicles.
These expansions reflect Florida’s ongoing efforts to reduce roadside accidents and fatalities.
2024 Updates to the Move Over Law
Starting January 1, 2024, Florida’s Move Over Law underwent significant changes to broaden its scope:
- Disabled Vehicles: The law now includes protections for disabled vehicles displaying hazard lights, emergency flares, or warning signs.
- Visible Occupants: If a vehicle is stopped on the side of the road with one or more individuals visibly present, drivers must either move over or slow down.
These updates aim to enhance safety for all road users, not just those in official or service vehicles.
Penalties for Violating the Move Over Law
If you’re caught violating Florida’s Move Over Law, the consequences can be severe:
- Fines: Depending on the county, fines can range from $60 to $158, plus court fees and surcharges.
- Points on License: A violation adds 3 points to your driving record, bringing you closer to license suspension if you accumulate 12 points within 12 months.
- Insurance Impact: Points on your record can lead to higher insurance premiums, which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time.
How a Traffic Lawyer at The Ticket Clinic Can Help
While Move Over Law violations carry significant penalties, a traffic lawyer at The Ticket Clinic can help reduce or eliminate them. Here’s how:
- Challenging Evidence: Was the violation properly documented? Did the officer have a clear view of your actions? A lawyer can identify flaws in the evidence against you.
- Negotiating Reduced Charges: In many cases, attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charge to a non-moving violation, which doesn’t add points to your record.
- Avoiding Court Appearances: The Ticket Clinic handles all aspects of your case, including court appearances, so you don’t have to take time off work or deal with the stress of navigating the legal system.
- Protecting Your Insurance Rates: By preventing points from being added to your license, a traffic lawyer can help you avoid costly insurance rate hikes.
Why Choose The Ticket Clinic?
The Ticket Clinic has been a trusted name in traffic law for over 35 years, handling millions of cases across Florida. Here’s why they’re the best choice for fighting your Move Over Law violation:
- Expertise in Florida Traffic Law: Their attorneys specialize in traffic cases and know how to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
- Proven Results: The Ticket Clinic has a track record of getting tickets dismissed or reduced, keeping points off clients’ driving records.
- Convenience: They handle everything—from filing paperwork to representing you in court—saving you time and stress.
- Affordable Defense: Fighting a ticket can save you hundreds in fines, points, and insurance costs, making their services a smart investment.
Protect Your Driving Record Today
Florida’s Move Over Law is critical for keeping roadways safe, but a single violation can have long-term consequences for your driving record and insurance premiums. If you’ve been cited, don’t leave your future to chance.
Contact The Ticket Clinic today to fight your ticket and protect your driving record. With their expertise, you’ll have the best chance of reducing or eliminating penalties, saving you time, money, and stress.
