What is Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law And What Happens If You Disobey It?
Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law took effect in April 2021 and states that drivers approaching an emergency response area should merge into a lane further from the response area. If drivers cannot merge into another lane safely, they should “pass the emergency response area at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit and reasonable for safely passing.” Drivers also need to respect the Move Over Law in active construction zones.
PA Drivers must follow the Move Over Law when they see a minimum of two emergency displays such as hazard lamps, cones, or flares. So, if you are driving and see a disabled vehicle, first responder vehicles, or construction crews and/or equipment on the road, you should change lanes, leaving an open lane between the response or construction area and you.
What happens if you disobey the Move Over Law?
Drivers who don’t abide by Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law are subject to having points added to their license and fines. More specifically, Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation says:
- The driver will receive two points on their license for failure to merge into a lane not next to the emergency response area.
- The fine is $500 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense.
- The driver’s license will be suspended for 90-days after a third or subsequent offense or if the incident seriously injures or kills another person. This suspension is six months if the person injured or killed is an emergency service provider or near a disabled vehicle.
- Additional fines of up to $10,000 will be imposed on violators who injure or kill an emergency service responder or a person in or near a disabled vehicle.
- Fines are doubled for those drivers responsible for several traffic violations in addition to disobeying the Move Over Law.
Drivers should always be cautious of others on the road, especially when there’s a disabled vehicle or first responder on the scene. Following the Move Over Law not only makes you a better, more aware driver, but it helps protect those who are in vulnerable situations on the road.
