Florida Move Over Law: What You Must Do
4 min read
Florida’s Move Over Act requires drivers to take specific action when approaching a stopped emergency, law enforcement, tow truck, sanitation, or utility vehicle with flashing lights. It is one of the most frequently tested laws on the Class E exam, and the exact numbers matter.
On a Multi-Lane Roadway
When you approach a stationary emergency or service vehicle with flashing lights on a multi-lane road, you must vacate the lane closest to the stopped vehicle. Signal your intention to change lanes, check your mirrors and blind spots, and move over safely.
If you cannot move over safely, for example because traffic or road conditions prevent a lane change, you must slow down to a speed of 20 mph below the posted speed limit while passing the stopped vehicle.
On a Two-Lane Roadway
On a two-lane road there is no adjacent lane to move into, so the law requires you to slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing a stopped emergency or service vehicle.
If the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less, you must slow to 5 mph. This exception matters: the 5 mph figure applies only when the limit is already 20 mph or below.
Why the Law Exists
The Move Over Act protects law enforcement officers, tow truck operators, and roadside workers who are exposed to passing traffic. Since the law took effect, it has been expanded to cover more vehicle types, including sanitation and utility vehicles, road and bridge maintenance and construction vehicles with warning lights, and, in the most recent expansion, disabled vehicles stopped with warning or hazard lights, flares or signage, or visibly present persons.
Violating the Move Over Act is a moving violation subject to fines and points under Florida law. On the exam, the key distinction to remember is between the multi-lane rule (move over) and the two-lane rule (slow down).