FLHSMV urges drivers to “Move Over” to protect those who protect us

Press release from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and its division, the Florida Highway Patrol, remind drivers that January is Move Over Month. Under Florida law, vehicles are required to move over a lane for emergency, service, utility, and disabled vehicles stopped on the side of the road or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if it is not safe to move over. The Move Over Act was originally enacted in 2002 to help protect law enforcement officers, first responders, and other public servants while they provide critical services in one of the most dangerous environments: the side of the roadway.

As of January 1, 2025, Florida’s Move Over law has been expanded to include any vehicle parked on the side of the road with hazard lights flashing, emergency flares, or visible emergency signage. Even a disabled vehicle or a vehicle with a flat tire is protected under the law.

“Unfortunately, over the years, we have seen many State Troopers, other law enforcement officers, and service professionals injured or killed by someone not giving them the room to work,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner. “These are preventable crashes that not only take our officers away from their families, but it also takes members of our communities, who gave freely to make Florida a safer place to live and travel. Please remember to slow down and move over. Lives depend on it.”

“Your Florida Highway Patrol and our law enforcement colleagues remain steadfast in our mission to protect and serve the people of Florida every minute of every day,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze. “We urge every driver to slow down and Move Over when approaching flashing lights. It’s not just the law. Moving over is common sense, common courtesy, and a simple action that can prevent a 100% preventable tragedy. Whether it’s law enforcement, emergency responders, tow trucks, or utility vehicle — slow down and Move Over. Your decision can be the difference between life and death.”

“The safety of everyone on Florida’s roads matters, and by staying alert and avoiding distractions, you make the roads safer for other drivers and those responding to emergencies,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “When you see law enforcement officers, emergency responders, FDOT Road Rangers, or other crash responders assisting motorists, move over to give them extra room to work. Let’s get everyone home safely.”

When a driver fails to move over for a stopped or disabled roadside vehicle(s), they put the safety of law enforcement, first responders, public servants, and other motorists at grave risk. The simple act of moving over gives those on the side of the road adequate space and can greatly increase safety on Florida’s roadways. In 2024, there were 205 crashes, and more than 17,500 citations were issued for motorists failing to move over in Florida.

Statistically, those most likely to violate the Move Over Act are drivers aged 20-29. This age group is less likely to move over or slow down when they approach emergency, service, or disabled vehicles. That is why FLHSMV educates new and young motorists on the Move Over Act with information in the driver handbook, even including Move Over questions on the driver exam.

“Florida’s Move Over Law is about protecting lives on Florida’s roads,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma. “The recent updates to the Move Over Law strengthened protections, not only for first responders, but for all Floridians stopped with a disabled vehicle. Whether it’s emergency personnel, utility workers, or a family with hazard lights on, drivers must slow down and move over when it’s safe. Staying alert and giving space saves lives.”

“Our brave Florida officers and first responders do their best to provide protection to the thousands of drivers on Florida’s roads, so as we begin 2026, we would ask every motorist to join us in safeguarding those who dedicate their lives to protect us,” said Florida Police Chiefs Association President and Ft. Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage.  “If you see a police vehicle or any emergency responder stopped on the shoulder of the road, please follow the law, and move over to show our Florida heroes that we respect them. Doing this keeps us all safer.”

The Florida Highway Patrol and our law enforcement partners take a proactive stance by continuously educating the public on Florida’s Move Over law, having seen firsthand the consequences when drivers fail to comply. Violating the Move Over law will result in a fine, fees, and points on your driving record. For more information, see section 316.126, Florida Statutes. Through education and enforcement, we remain committed to creating a safer roadway environment for the men and women who work every day to protect and serve Florida’s communities.