Law enforcement reporting more motorists are failing to comply with states Move Over law

(Jefferson County) Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes, if safe to do so, when approaching MoDOT vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, and any other emergency vehicle with lights flashing.

If drivers can’t change lanes safely, they must slow down as they pass the emergency vehicles. However, Crystal City Police Chief Chad Helms is noticing drivers failing to do so.

Chief Helms recalls an event where motorists were not complying with the move over law.

Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to approach cautiously when an emergency vehicle is displaying red or red and blue lights or a vehicle owned by the state highways and transportation commission displaying lighted amber or amber and white lights is stopped along the side of the road.

Motorists must change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if they are on a multi-lane highway and can SAFELY do so.

If drivers can’t change lanes safely, or they are on a two-lane highway, they must slow down while maintaining a safe speed so as not to impede other traffic.

A violation can result in fines and or imprisonment.

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