Motorists granted further protection under Move Over Law amendment

Drivers in Wisconsin are now required to move over or slow down when approaching disabled vehicles on the side of the road. Governor Tony Evers signed the bill into law earlier this month, giving motorists this protection under the Move Over Law. Previously, the law only included emergency or roadside service vehicles.

Wisconsin’s Move Over Law was enacted in 2001 and requires drivers traveling on a road with two or more lanes in the same direction to move out of the lane closest to stopped law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks, utility or highway maintenance vehicles with their warning lights activated. If unable to safely move over, or along single lane roadways, vehicle operators must slow down.

This new amendment adds the same protections for disabled vehicles stopped along the road with hazard lights on, emergency devices or flares placed near the vehicle, or one or more persons attending to the vehicle and visible to motorists. Violators could be cited with a noncriminal moving violation and a fine of up to $300. If the violation results in a crash or injuries, the penalties can be much more severe.

“We will be watching for violations to this new law and opportunities to educate drivers on its lifesaving importance,” said Tim Carnahan, Wisconsin State Patrol superintendent. “Giving stranded motorists space is not just a courtesy anymore, it’s now the law, and it’s important that everyone on the road is aware of this impactful change.”

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 145 people in Wisconsin were injured roadside while inside or near a stopped vehicle over the past five years and 5 were killed. In addition, 73 emergency responders were struck by a vehicle while working on the side of the road