• Effective July 1, 2007, motorists traveling Mississippi highways will be required by law to “Move Over or Slow Down
Compliments of Mississippi Link
Effective July 1, 2007, motorists traveling Mississippi highways will be required by law to “Move Over or Slow Down,” according to Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Executive Director Larry L. “Butch” Brown. Senate Bill 2057, known as the “Move-Over Law” was passed by the Mississippi Legislature during the 2007 session.
The new law states that motorists traveling on interstate highways in the direction of emergency vehicles are required to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle if at all possible. Motorists should yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway.
If traffic is too congested to move over safely, motorists are required to slow down below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop. Vehicles should remain clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in position until the emergency vehicles have passed, except when directed by law enforcement. If you are traveling and are approaching an emergency vehicle on the shoulder of the roadway with its lights flashing, motorists should slow down and proceed with caution.
The “Move-Over Law” was designed to protect law enforcement and other emergency workers on state highways. With a rising number of deaths and injuries to police, emergency technicians, DOT workers and other emergency personnel around the nation, it is imperative that this law be put into effect in every state in order to save lives. At this time, there are 38 states with the “Move-Over Law” on the books.
“Personally, I am excited about the passage of the “Move-Over Law,” Brown said. “Thousands of Americans die on roadways and in highway work zones due to careless drivers. With the passage of Senate Bill 2057, motorists are required to slow down and move over when emergency vehicles are approaching or when they are stopped on the shoulder of the highway. Statistics have shown that far too many emergency vehicles of all types have been struck while parked on the highway, even with the emergency lights flashing. As motorists adjust to the new law, it will reduce the number of injuries and fatalities to emergency personnel.”
Failure to obey the “Move-Over Law” is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $250. If the violation results in property damage to the emergency vehicle, highway maintenance or recovery vehicle or bodily injury to the driver or passenger, the fine can be up to $1,000.
To read more about the “Move-Over Law,” visit http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2007/html/SB/2001-2099/SB2057IN.htm.
