Every day, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and roadside workers place themselves in harm’s way. Michigan’s Move Over law is designed to protect these individuals by requiring that drivers yield when being approached by emergency vehicles, and give extra space to emergency vehicles stopped at the side of the road and displaying flashing lights. Violations of the Move Over law carry harsh penalties, including substantial fines and points assessed on the driver’s license. If a failure to yield results in injuries or death, the driver faces potential jail time.

Understanding Michigan’s Move Over Law

Michigan traffic laws specify how drivers must respond when being approached by emergency vehicles and when emergency vehicles are stopped at the side of the road.

Yield to Approaching Emergency Vehicles

When being approached by an authorized emergency vehicle, such as police car, fire truck, or ambulance, with its lights flashing and making an audible signal, drivers must stop as close to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, clear of an intersection, and remain in that position until the emergency vehicle has passed or until otherwise directed by a police officer.

Move Over for Stationary Vehicles

When approaching and passing an authorized emergency vehicle stopped at the side of the road with its lights flashing, drivers must reduce their speed to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and move into a lane at least one open lane away from the authorized emergency vehicle. If moving over is not possible, drivers must approach with caution and reduce their speed to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit or as directed by a police officer.

What Vehicles Trigger Michigan’s Move Over Law?

Michigan’s Move Over law applies to “authorized emergency vehicles,” which include police, fire, EMS, and other emergency response vehicles. It also applies to roadside service vehicles, solid waste collection vehicles, utility service vehicles, and other road maintenance vehicles.

Penalties for Violating Michigan’s Move Over Law

A violation of Michigan’s Move Over law is a civil infraction punishable by a $400 fine and 2 points assessed on the driver’s license.

A person who violates the Move Over law and injures a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency personnel faces felony charges punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a $1,000 fine.

A violation of the Move Over law that results in the death of a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency personnel carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a $7,500 fine.

Move Over Laws Save Lives

Every day, law enforcement officers, paramedics, tow-truck operators, and roadside workers face an increased risk of injury or death while working on the side of the road. Despite this danger, drivers disregard lane restrictions, speed through work zones, and fail to yield to emergency vehicles.

Nationwide, the statistics on roadside deaths are staggering.

• One tow-truck driver is killed in a roadside collision every six days
• Twenty-three highway workers and one law enforcement officer lose their lives to roadside accidents every month
• Five firefighters are killed in roadside accidents every year

Move Over laws reduce collisions and protect emergency personnel and other roadside workers.

Move Over. Slow Down. Save Lives.

Drivers must remain vigilant for emergency response and other roadside vehicles. When you are approached by an emergency response vehicle or see one stopped on the side of the road, slow down, stop, and give these vehicles the space they need.

If you were injured or a loved one was killed in an accident caused by a driver who violated Michigan’s Move Over law, you and your family might be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Muth Law, P.C. can evaluate your situation and explain your rights. With decades of experience representing people who were hurt in accidents that were not their fault, our attorneys will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Muth Law Today

Muth Law works with clients in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and throughout Michigan. Please contact us to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your automobile accident injury matter. Call 734-481-8800 or contact us via e-mail. We look forward to serving your family.