PennDOT, law enforcement agencies remind drivers of ‘Move Over’ Law

DUNCANSVILLE, Pa. (WTAJ) — Construction season isn’t over yet, which means you’ll still see plenty of active work zones on the road. PennDOT is urging drivers to slow down and pay attention.

On Tuesday, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 9 joined state and local law enforcement officials to stress the importance for motorists to follow the Move Over Law in Work Zones.

Disabled vehicles are covered by the Move Over Law when they display at least two of the following markings:

• Vehicular hazard signal lamps.
• Caution signs or other traffic control device.
• Road flares.

“So the Move Over Law went into effect in 2021. It requires motorists to move over when they see flashing vehicles for emergency services. And that includes our work zones for our maintenance forces also and our construction workers,” David Kammerer, Assistant District Executive for PennDOT District 9 said.

According to PennDOT, an emergency response area is where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have lighted flares, posted signs, or try to warn travelers.

State and local law enforcement officer stood on the side of the highway to see what drivers would do. Most of them moved over, but others did not.

“It’s a little nerve-racking whenever you’re standing along the roadway and you’re trying to focus on an accident or disabled vehicle and you’re trying to help those individuals. Then you’ve got to be concerned about not being run over yourself by traffic just because of distracted drivers and just people who aren’t paying attention in general,” Allegheny Township Police Chief, Michael Robison said.

What happens if someone isn’t able to move over?

“If you can’t merge or move over, you have to slow down to at least 20 miles an hour below the posted speed limit. So that’s the other thing you have. They don’t have to move over, but they have to slow down at least 20 miles an hour below the posted speed limit so it’s safe to pass by that situation,” Kammerer said.

Violations for the Move Over Law include a fine up to $500 for the first violation, up to $1,000 for the second and up to $2,000 for third and subsequent violations. In cases where violations lead to injury or death, harsher penalties apply, including suspension of driver’s license and additional fines.

Points are also added to the driver’s record for each violation.

“The law isn’t just about fines, it’s about ensuring the safety of those who risk their lives to keep Pennsylvania roads safe. So I advise individuals to educate themselves on the rules of the road and don’t use negligence or unlearned information as a sort of a defense,” Trooper Jacob Rhymestine, Public Information Officer for Pennsylvania State Police, Troop G said.

Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement agencies will be increasing patrols in areas where violations of move over laws are common.

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For more information and resources on Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law, visit PennDOT’s website .

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