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Move over law

First responders and non-emergency personnel like tow-truck operators and construction crews routinely assist drivers alongside our roadway – whether after a crash or due to a broken-down vehicle. When helping at the scene, they often have to put their bodies in harm’s way, just steps from passing vehicles traveling at high rates of speed. They are also even more vulnerable to distracted, speeding and impaired drivers.

To help reduce the number of crashes and fatalities, many states are enacting “move over” laws and educating drivers about the importance of slowing down and giving extra room to those assisting others on the roadside.

By the numbers

  • Every year, emergency and law enforcement personnel respond to 100,000 motor vehicle crashes on roadways, just in Connecticut.
  • Nationwide, more than 160 crash responders have been killed in the line of duty since 2020.
a police car stopped in the shoulder - mover over law - traffic safety

Laws

Connecticut's “Move Over” law is one of the strongest in the country. It was enacted in 2009 and amended in 2017 to include ANY vehicle along the side of the road, not just emergency vehicles.

The law states that drivers approaching vehicles on the shoulder or in a breakdown lane must immediately reduce their speed to a reasonable level. If on a multi-land roadway, the driver must also move over one lane if it’s reasonable or safe to do so.

there are penalties for move over failure - mover over law

Penalties

Violating this law is an infraction. However, if it results in the injury of emergency personnel, the driver can be fined up to $2,500. If it results in a fatality, the driver can be fined up to $10,000 and potentially face criminal charges.

move over. it's the law! - office of highway safety

Drivers, passengers and pedestrians also face an increased risk of injury or death in work zone crashes.

Drive to save lives – what you can do

Drivers

Move over, it’s the law!

When you see an emergency vehicle stopped on or next to a roadway, immediately slow down to a reasonable speed and move over to a lane not immediately adjacent to the vehicle if you can.

Look and signal

Look carefully behind you and to the side before moving over. Don’t just make your move suddenly. If it is safe to move over, always signal your attention to do so with your turn signal so other drivers know what you’re doing.

Don't stop

Slowing down is good. Coming to a crawl or stopping is not. It can actually be even more dangerous, as vehicles behind you won’t expect it and can crash into you or others around you.