Move-over rule revisions made at statehouses

Move-over laws aren’t staying put. States continue to rewrite the rules to protect more vehicles and more people.

State move-over laws cover many types of vehicles. These rules have been in place in every state for more than 10 years.

At first, the laws only protected emergency vehicles. Many states later expanded the rules to include road service vehicles, utility trucks and tow trucks.

Because so many vehicles are covered, it can be hard to know the exact rules in each state. The safest way to avoid breaking the law is to move over or slow down for any vehicle stopped on the side of the road.

To clear up confusion, more than half of the states have recently updated their laws to protect all highway users. Four states made changes just one year ago.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and others have long pushed to include large trucks in this common-sense rule.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin is the newest state to expand its move-over rule.

State law already requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when they see emergency or roadside help vehicles stopped on or near the road.

Last month, Gov. Tony Evers signed a new bill that extends these protections to all disabled vehicles on the side of the road. The new rule is now in effect.

Before the bill became law, Republican Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk of Hubertus said current rules do not protect everyday drivers. He pointed to a case where a truck driver was killed on the side of the road near Rothschild, Wisc. The trucker was struck while changing a flat tire for a motorist.

Under the new law, drivers must move over or slow down when approaching any disabled vehicle.

The rule applies to any roadside vehicle showing hazard lights, flares or other warning signals. It also applies if at least one person is visible near the vehicle.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman said the law is a step toward safer roads.

“It sets in stone the respectful action all drivers should already be taking when approaching any vehicle roadside,” Boardman said in prepared remarks.

Drivers who break the law could face fines of up to $300. If a crash or injury happens, the penalties may be higher.

New Jersey

New Jersey may be the next state to expand its rule to protect any vehicle stopped on the roadside.

Right now, state law only protects certain vehicles. The protected list includes emergency vehicles, highway workers, tow trucks and sanitation vehicles.

Drivers must move over or slow down when approaching these stopped vehicles with flashing lights, road flares or reflective triangles. If drivers cannot change lanes, they must slow down to below the posted speed limit.

A new bill has been sent to outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy for approval.

The bill, A4813, would change the rule. It would require drivers to move over or slow down for any stopped vehicle on the roadside. Vehicles would not need flashing lights, hazard lights, flares or reflective triangles.

Ohio

An Ohio bill would expand the state’s move-over law.

Right now, the law protects certain vehicles, such as emergency vehicles, public safety vehicles, some utility vehicles and weight-enforcement vehicles. These vehicles are protected when they are stopped and using flashing or rotating lights.

State senators approved a bill to add protection for any stopped vehicle in “distress.”

The bill, SB16, says “a vehicle is in distress when the operator indicates the condition through lit fuse, flares, red lights, red reflectors, red flags, emergency signs or flashing emergency/hazard lights.”

Ohio Trucking Association President Thomas Balzer spoke in support of the bill.

Balzer told lawmakers that truck drivers are often in danger when their trucks break down on the side of the road. He said SB16 helps fix this problem.

“We strongly support SB16 because it provides clear expectations for all drivers when approaching a distressed vehicle,” Balzer said.

Sen. Steve Wilson, R-Maineville, agreed.

“Not only will this bill prevent accidents from occurring and save lives in the process, but it will also eliminate any confusion for Ohioans who find themselves approaching a vehicle in distress,” Wilson said.

The move-over bill moves to the House for further review. LL