Picture this: You’re driving down the highway, and notice two cars and first responders pulled over on the side of the road. To give the drivers, police, and firefighters some room, you put on your turn signal and move into the neighboring lane, making sure to drive slowly past the scene. As a safe driver, this simple act of courtesy is probably second nature — but did you know it’s also required by law?
Many drivers switch lanes and drive slowly past people stopped on a road’s shoulder as safe driving behavior, but are not aware that doing so is a legal requirement outlined in their state’s “move over” laws. Every state has a similar statute that says that giving stopped cars the room they need is mandatory, and the failure to do so is a traffic violation. Some states have their own variations on this baseline law as well.
MOVE OVER LAWS IN OKLAHOMA
The state of Oklahoma recently updated its move-over laws to provide protections for all drivers who are stopped on the side of the road. Previously, the law only required people to change lanes if the car that was stopped was an emergency vehicle. The new law will take effect on November 1, 2019, when drivers who fail to stop for any vehicle could receive a ticket.
MOVE OVER LAW VIOLATIONS
The failure to move over when driving past a stopped car is not only illegal, but it’s also extremely dangerous. If people are pulled over on the shoulder, it’s likely that they will get out of their cars, making them especially vulnerable to pedestrian accidents.
Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC provides representation for the victims of car accidents, pedestrian accidents, and other injuries. Call 918-492-7674 or send us a message to schedule a no-cost consultation.