Did you know that in 2021, there were sixty-five emergency responders struck and killed by vehicles while responding to an emergency in the midst of moving traffic? (Data Collected and Shared by the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, ResponderSafety.com) The sad thing is, most, if not all, of these deaths could have been prevented if drivers had been obeying the move over laws in their state. Move over laws may feel optional, but they are necessary rules of the road that keep you, other motorists, and first responders (like us!) safe.
What is the Alabama Move Over Act?
If you’ve ever driven up on an accident or a broken-down vehicle, you’ve probably noticed motorists moving over or slowing down as they pass. You may have thought they were being nosy or perhaps polite, but moving over and/or slowing down is required by law in the state of Alabama! It’s called the Alabama Move Over Act. The act states, in part:
Section 32-5A-58.2
Moving over or reducing speed when approaching law enforcement vehicles, emergency vehicles, etc.
(a) This section shall be known as the “Alabama Move Over Act.”
(b)(1) When an authorized law enforcement vehicle or emergency vehicle making use of any visual signals is parked, when a wrecker displaying amber rotating or flashing lights is performing a recovery or loading on the roadside, when a utility service vehicle operated by or on behalf of an entity providing utility services displaying any rotating lights, flashing lights, or other visual signals is parked on the roadside while performing tasks associated with the provision of utility services, when a vehicle displaying flashing lights is parked or engaged in the performance of official duties on or along a road, or when a garbage, trash, refuse, or recycling collection vehicle is actively collecting garbage, trash, refuse, or recycling materials on the roadside, the driver of every other vehicle, as soon as it is safe, shall do the following:
a. When driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the law enforcement vehicle, emergency vehicle, wrecker, utility service vehicle, vehicle displaying flashing lights, or garbage, trash, refuse, or recycling collection vehicle, the driver shall vacate the lane closest to the law enforcement vehicle, emergency vehicle, wrecker, utility service vehicle, vehicle displaying flashing lights, or garbage, trash, refuse, or recycling collection vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer. If it is not safe to move over, the driver shall slow to a speed that is at least 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.
b. When driving on a two-lane road, the driver shall move as far away from the law enforcement vehicle, emergency vehicle, wrecker, utility service vehicle, vehicle displaying flashing lights, or garbage, trash, refuse, or recycling collection vehicle as possible within his or her lane and slow to a speed that is 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or greater or travel at 10 miles per hour when the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.
Consequences of not following move over laws in Alabama
Motorists who don’t follow the move-over laws face steep consequences, which have only increased since the law was put into place. Violating the Alabama Move Over Act is considered a misdemeanor. First-time offenders will have to pay $100 for breaking it, second-time offenders will have to pay $150, and upon a third violation (or more) they will have to pay a fine of $200.
As towers, we really appreciate it when you follow move over laws! It keeps us safe while we’re helping you! Following the rules of the road is important, not only to avoid hefty fines but also to save lives!