Law of the Month: Move over or slow down for emergency vehicles

The DOT reminds motorists to watch out for emergency vehicles.

By law, drivers are required to move out of the lane closest to stopped emergency vehicles. Motorists should also slow down around emergency vehicles; slowing down can also be done if moving over isn’t possible under the circumstances. This law was passed in Wisconsin in 2001. Today, all 50 U.S. states have such a law.

Emergency vehicles are classified as law enforcement, ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks, utilities or highway maintenance with activated warning lights.

In 2020, 69 workers were hurt and two were killed while responding to emergencies in Wisconsin. Last year, there were 632 convictions for Move Over violations. One citation carries a penalty of $263, but this penalty is more severe if a person is injured or killed.

In the last five years, at least 188 law enforcement officers in the U.S. have been killed in traffic-related incidents.

 “Emergency responders risk their own lives every day to help others stay safe on the roads,” Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson said in a statement. “We ask every driver to think of that danger as they pass workers on the highway and always move over or slow down. Every driver makes a difference.”