Do you have a "move over" law in your state?

[RawHawg]

Just curious. Here in Florida they recently instituted a law where, if you are driving down the road and you see a police car or other emergency vehicle on the shoulder of the road, you have to pull over into the next lane (if available) while passing them. I understand the safety reason for this, but here in Florida at least it is being taken advantage of by some law enforcement. I have seen many times state troopers sitting alone on the edge of the highway with their lights on for no apparent reason. I have also seen these same officers race out and pull people over that passed in the lane next to them; not because they didn't want to pull over, but because the traffic was so heavy next to them they could not. In those cases it seems like an obvious revenue generator and has nothing to do with safety. Actually, it seems to create the likelihood of accidents, because they are causing people to panic and rush to squeeze together in one lane.

Here is an interesting article on how some law enforcement may be abusing this law:
http://www.fortlauderdalecriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/12/are_florida_cops_abusing_the_m.html

 

[rocketskates]

Pretty sure in Illinois this law applies only if the emergency lights are on. It's meant to protect cops and firefighters who could be out of their car tending to a traffic violation or accident scene. It's a good law and I understand it. But, if the cops where you live are using it the way you spoke of then it's bullshit.

 

[Nameless Ghoul]

If they have their lights on yeah but not if they're just driving. I've always just assumed it was kind of a "universal" thing.

 

[raiDerS1]

In alberta you must slow down to 60kmh

 

[GracieNutHugger]

Here in Canada, well Ontario at least, we have a "slow down, move over law". There is a very good reason for the law as it attempts to minimize the danger for emergency personnel when they are out on roadways.

Back in '02 there was a truck that plowed through 3 police cruisers parked alongside the road, ultimately killing an officer which brought about the new law.



In addition, the amount of idiotic people that rubberneck emergency vehicles is absurd resulting in a law like this which really shouldn't be needed. It's common sense.

 

[Shawn91111]

Seen strange shit happen when I lived in Florida with Police/State Troopers. Always thought moving over was an every state thing though.

 

[RawHawg]

Here in Canada, well Ontario at least, we have a "slow down, move over law". There is a very good reason for the law as it attempts to minimize the danger for emergency personnel when they are out on roadways.

Back in '02 there was a truck that plowed through 3 police cruisers parked alongside the road, ultimately killing an officer which brought about the new law.

I agree it is a good law and may prevent some of these horrendous accidents. It is just a shame that some seem to be milking this law for revenue only and actually making things less safe in the process.

 

[SnowBlynd]

That law has been around a while. No one seems to pay it any mind as I never cops bother chasing cars that blow past them.

 

[Protectandserve]

I've been narrowly missed several times. I always approach passenger side except I forced to do a driver side due to location or suspected DUI.

 

[ZappBrannigan]

I do it.

 

[Diamond Jim]

I'm not sure if it's law here in Texas but I always do it if I can.

 

[bosox32]

Helps save emergency personnel lives; why would you be against it?

Yes if it is being abused to create tickets that's fucked, but in general it's a good thing.

 

[respectall**]

I live in ohio not sure if its a law but people tend to do it I just figured it was common courtesy

 

[Stargazer Rex]

Not sure, but I've been doing it for a while now and if I can't get over then I will slow down.

 

[JonesBones]

I agree it can cause more harm than good. People see a cop, and immediately just want to avoid a ticket so do anything to get in the next lane. Just more bullshit.

 

[bosox32]

I agree it can cause more harm than good. People see a cop, and immediately just want to avoid a ticket so do anything to get in the next lane. Just more bullshit.

I'll bet you I can find more cops dying from being hit while pulled over then accidents from changing lanes due to this law. If you can't change lanes don't drive.

 

[jabba the punk]

I'm in Miami and I see cops do douchy shit all day but this, I haven't seen. I do abide by this law. I have no problem with it.

 

[JonesBones]

I'll bet you I can find more cops dying from being hit while pulled over then accidents from changing lanes due to this law. If you can't change lanes don't drive.

I doubt it. One cop dies, and they have to memorialize him, and pass a law. That's how it happened in NY. Please don't act like the police put their lives on the line every day, and are heros. They are vultures who spend most of their time nickel and diming the common man.

 

[bosox32]

I doubt it. One cop dies, and they have to memorialize him, and pass a law. That's how it happened in NY. Please don't act like the police put their lives on the line every day, and are heros. They are vultures who spend most of their time nickel and diming the common man.

164 officers died from 1999 - 2010 due to being struck by vehicles.

As for your other point, grow up.

 

[Josh]

You have to move over and slow down in my province.

As for the traps, they do them here as well. Cops will have a decoy vehicle pulled over, and more cops waiting down the road to nab anyone that fails to slow down and move over. I don't see how that's bullshit at all. That's like saying that red lights should only be observed if there is traffic coming on the green. Who cares if the cop on the side of the road is actually issuing a ticket, or if he's there as a decoy to catch morons who can't follow simple rules.