Seven States Pursue Revisions to Move-Over Rules

Move-over laws have been expanded across the U.S. Initially designed to protect emergency personnel, these laws now include tow trucks, road service, and utility vehicles. Advocates, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, have pushed for broadening these protections to cover all highway users.

This year, several states are revising their move-over rules to cover a wider range of vehicles. In Arizona, lawmakers are considering a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the current law, which applies to emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and maintenance vehicles. Similarly, California’s Assembly Bill 390 would expand protections to any vehicle with flashing lights or warning devices, while Kansas’ Senate Bill 8 proposes coverage for any vehicle displaying hazard lights or warning signals.

In New Jersey, a bill advancing in the statehouse would extend protection to all stationary vehicles with flashing lights or warning devices. Ohio and Oklahoma are also pursuing legislation to expand coverage, with penalties for violations increasing in some states. Meanwhile, West Virginia is considering adding maintenance vehicles to the list of protected vehicles. These revisions aim to enhance safety for all highway users. https://landline.media