Move Over: The Law That Defines Respect
There are traffic laws that keep the world moving, and then there are laws that remind us why awareness matters. The Move Over law is one of those. It is more than a rule; it is a shared responsibility between every driver on the road.
The idea began with tragedy. In 1994, a South Carolina paramedic was struck and killed while helping at a crash scene. That single event pushed lawmakers to rethink roadside safety. Two years later, South Carolina became one of the first states to pass a Move Over law requiring drivers to give emergency workers room to do their jobs. By 2012, every state had followed.
The Law
Today, the rule is simple but powerful. When you approach flashing lights on the shoulder, move over one lane if it is safe to do so. If not, slow down and pass with caution. It sounds obvious, but research shows that awareness, not intent, is often what is missing.
“Nearly one in three drivers does not know the law exists, yet compliance increases by more than twenty percent when drivers are reminded with clear roadside signs. Awareness saves lives, and it only takes a moment to make the right decision.”
At NEVO Driving Academy, we see laws like this as more than requirements; they are reflections of attitude. A good driver is not just skilled, they are reasonable and prudent. That phrase appears in many state codes, and it defines something essential. Reasonable means driving at a speed and distance that make sense for the conditions. Prudent means thinking ahead, anticipating risk, and acting with care. Together, they shape the mindset that turns drivers into true professionals of the road.
Federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration and the Government Accountability Office have studied Move Over laws for years. The data is still developing, but one pattern is clear. Consistency works. Drivers respond when messaging and enforcement are aligned. Some states, like Illinois, have paired education with technology, adding in-car alerts when emergency vehicles are nearby. Others have expanded the law to include tow trucks, highway workers, and even disabled vehicles. Each improvement adds another layer of protection for the people who keep traffic moving.
So what should you do the next time you see flashing lights ahead?
Move over. If you cannot, slow down significantly and stay alert. Those few seconds of awareness can mean the difference between a close call and a life saved.
Driving is not just about reaching your destination. It is about respect, timing, and shared space. The Move Over law may sound small, but it represents something bigger: a culture of care on the road. At NEVO, that is the heart of what we teach. Driving is freedom, but freedom only lasts when we protect it.