slow down / move over law

[Pocaton]

I am wondering if anyone can clarify the slow down/move over law. Is there a set speed a motorist should slow to if s/he is unable to move into the adjacent lane?

This is all I could find for Massachusetts: "if changing lanes is impracticable, proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle to that of a reasonable and safe speed for road conditions"

(sorry, can't post the url to entire law)

I have always thought that the speed limit is set based on what the DOT (or whoever sets the speed) determines is "reasonable and safe" for that particular road. I assume that an emergency vehicle on the side of the road would be considered a change in road conditions so you'd need to adjust and slow down, but I'd guess that you'd get different answers from different people as to what a "reasonable and safe" speed is.

Any thoughts as to why it's vague? Are most states like this?

Thanks.

[Retired Chief]

In Illinois you are expected to reduce your speed on the interstate or state highway by at least 10 mph.

[txinvestigator1]

I am wondering if anyone can clarify the slow down/move over law. Is there a set speed a motorist should slow to if s/he is unable to move into the adjacent lane?

This is all I could find for Massachusetts: "if changing lanes is impracticable, proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle to that of a reasonable and safe speed for road conditions"

(sorry, can't post the url to entire law)

I have always thought that the speed limit is set based on what the DOT (or whoever sets the speed) determines is "reasonable and safe" for that particular road.

Partially. Safe under IDEAL CONDITIONS".

[marinepilot]

In Florida it's move over into the lane away from the emergency vehicle (this includes cops, ambulances, fire, and even construction vehicles), or, if this is not possible, you're supposed to slow to a speed 20 mph LESS THAN the posted speed limit, but in no case, less than 5 mph.

[PapaBear]

Move Over Law Protects First Responders

New legislation in Massachusetts aims to make police, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck drivers, and all roadside emergency and maintenance professionals safer on the job. The Move Over Law, which takes effect March 22, 2009, requires drivers approaching a stationary emergency or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights to move to the next adjacent lane if it is safe to do so, and, barring that, to reduce their speed. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $100.

Every year, first responders across the country are injured or killed on the job while providing emergency help and, in the past six months, several Massachusetts state troopers and other first responders have been injured. All citizens are asked to move over to make Massachusetts roadways safer for everyone.

New Move Over Law in Effect March 22, 2009

Move Over Sample News Release

Text of an amendment offered by Mr. DeLeo of Winthrop to the Senate Bill relative to operating a motor vehicle when approaching stationary emergency vehicles (Senate, No. 2103, amended).
December 11, 2008.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
——————
In the Year Two Thousand and Eight.
——————
Striking out all after the enacting clause and inserting in place thereof the following:—
“SECTION 1. Chapter 89 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 7B the
following section:-
Section 7C. (a) As used in this section the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires
otherwise, have the following meanings:
„Emergency response vehicle‟, a fire apparatus, police vehicle, ambulance, or disaster vehicle.
„Highway maintenance vehicle‟, a vehicle used for the maintenance of highways and roadways: (1)
that is owned or operated by the executive office of transportation and public works, a county, a
municipality or any political subdivision thereof; or (2) that is owned or operated by a person under
contract with the executive office of transportation and public works, a county, a municipality or any
political subdivision thereof.
„Operator‟, any person who operates a motor vehicle as defined in section 1 of chapter 90.
„Person‟, a natural person, corporation, association, partnership or other legal entity.
„Recovery vehicle‟ a vehicle that is specifically designed to assist a disabled vehicle or to tow a
disabled vehicle.
(b) Upon approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle or recovery vehicle with flashing lights an operator shall:
(1) proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle to that of a reasonable and safe speed for road conditions, and, if practicable and on a highway having at least 4 lanes with not less than 2 lanes proceeding in the same direction as the operator‟s vehicle, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency response vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle or recovery vehicle; or
(2) if changing lanes is impracticable, proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle to that of a reasonable and safe speed for road conditions.
(c) Violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100.”.

http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/progr...e_over_law.pdf

What the law means: If you are approaching an emergency vehicle which is
stationary at he side of the road and displaying emergency lighting, you are required to safely move to a clear lane away from the scene and slow down to a safe and reasonable speed while passing. Safe and reasonable means that speed at which you can safely maneuver your vehicle in the event of unforeseen issues - stopping, swerving, etc. - and maintain total control. If that means slowing to 5 MPH, then so be it!

The purpose of the law is to protect our first responders as they work on and about the locales where speeds are elevated and danger is inherent. Too many are getting injured and/or killed due to the misdeeds of passing motorists and "looky-loos."

[CCBlueMan]

Just try and use common sense. Would you feel safe if you were standing along the side of the road and traffic was moving beside you at 50+ mph?

[marinepilot]

Just try and use common sense. Would you feel safe if you were standing along the side of the road and traffic was moving beside you at 50+ mph?

There are plenty of videos out there that demonstrate this exact scenario. Just watch some of those crazy cop video shows and I guarantee you'll see video of a cop almost being hit on the side of the road by a passing car. Usually they lock onto the flashing lights and drive right into the patrol car and the LEO and the other person just barely leap to safety!

[Safety Steve]

Just try and use common sense. Would you feel safe if you were standing along the side of the road and traffic was moving beside you at 50+ mph?

Uh, try 70 mph at about 8 to 10 feet away. While your changing a flat tire for someone on the interstate. You know all the NASCAR tire changers come from the Highway Patrol . Be Safe.

[Pocaton]

Thank you for all of the responses.

I'm very surprised that Massachusetts doesn't have a required speed to slow to. I'd think it would be safer since there can be such a big difference in opinion of what is a "safe and reasonable" speed.

I thought the law was to slow to 45mph so I always do that or slower.

Thanks again and be safe!

[Big_Montana]

i like the Montana law which also specifies that it's also a crime to not allow the person in the lane adjacent to the emergency vehicle to move over, that's more of a big rig friendly law though. what kills me is every time i move over some arse-hole, bounces inside me and passes me SPEEDING in the lane next to the cop.
although I'm confused as to why this law isn't as enforced as you would expect, when i was running traffic (and mobile) we only had a few people on duty in a 4,000 square mile county, so any time one of the other deputies would make a stop i would at least start heading in that direction (no code or anything just be headed in that direction if i wasn't already doing something, you just never know) - if they were close enough i'd end up getting there before the traffic stop was over, if it looked like a low threat situation i'd usually go out and issue a warning for this exact violation, no one pays any attention to this law at all, and it bothers me a lot, i was taught to do this before there was ever a law about it, it's (un)common courtesy!