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Virginia motorists: What does the MOVE OVER law mean for you?

When you see an emergency vehicle, tow truck or construction vehicle on the side of the road in Virginia, do you slow down and move over into the far lane, or do you just zip on by? Most drivers don’t give these vehicles much thought and drive as usual past them. However, emergency workers, tow truck drivers, and construction workers are very concerned with their safety, and lawmakers have listened.

In fact it was the tragic death of a tow truck driver who was pulled over in Newport News helping a stranded motorist that triggered an expansion of Virginia’s existing Move Over law. The tow truck driver was wearing reflective clothing, and was on the side of the road with his lights flashing when a truck crashed into him, killing him.

This terrible accident prompted lawmakers to add tow trucks and construction vehicles to the list of vehicles that motorists must move away from when these vehicles are parked on the side of the highway. Up until this change, which takes effect July 1, 2010, motorists only had to move over for emergency vehicles.

Prevent Wrecks with Emergency Vehicles – Understand the Move Over Law

Virginia law states that any motor vehicle driver – this includes buses, cars, trucks, tractor-trailers, motorcycles, etc. – who sees an emergency vehicle with flashing or blinking lights up ahead on the side of the highway having at least four lanes must move over. If it is not possible to move over safely, you just need to slow down and “proceed with due caution” and maintain a safe speed.

If you fail to follow this law, you could find yourself facing a Class 1 misdemeanor. In addition, if you fail to move over and you cause a crash, damaging property, you may also have your license suspended for up to a year. Hurt a person in that crash and you could lose your license for up to two years. Kill somebody because you failed to move over or slow down and you’ll lose your license for two years – or more. This is in addition to any other penalties or fines imposed by the court.

Not only is it in your best interest to move over to avoid fines and license suspension, but clearly it is the right thing to do to keep emergency workers, tow truck drivers and construction workers safe from harm. Of course if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an auto accident in the Tidewater area, we will answer any questions that you have and fight for your rights in court if necessary.

Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C.

112 College Place

Norfolk, VA 23510

Toll Free: (800) 690-0235

Phone: (757) 622-7740

Fax: (757) 533-9223




Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Email: info@weislaw.com
www.weislaw.com