Montana’s New “Move Over” Stiffens Penalties

In Montana, effective October 1, a new move over law went into effect, which is designed to protect the lives of emergency responders and maintenance workers. Stiffer penalties will ensue if the law is not heeded. 

Under this new law, drivers must slow down to the temporary posted speed limit, if available, when approaching stationary emergency, towing, maintenance, or construction vehicles. 

If there's no temporary speed limit posted, drivers are required to slow down by 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit on the interstate and move to the farther lane if possible. 

On state highways or country roads without temporary posted speed limits, drivers must reduce their speed by 30 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and change lanes or slow down to half the posted speed limit if they cannot change lanes safely. 

On roads that are neither interstate nor state highways nor country roads, drivers must travel at half the posted speed limit when passing these special stationary vehicles on the side of the road. 

On multi-lane highways, drivers must either move to a lane not adjacent to the stationary authorized vehicle or move over as far as possible while ensuring safety, considering the road's conditions. 

Stiffer penalties for not adhering to this law include a maximum fine of $10,000, and imprisonment for up to one year. 

For reckless endangerment of emergency personnel under this law, a first conviction charge could bring imprisonment for up to 90 days, a fine of $100 to $500, or both. Second or subsequent convictions would include imprisonment for a minimum of 10 days to a maximum of 6 months, a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000, or both.  

Source: kmmsam.com