The Move Over Law
Move Over Laws For Emergency Vehicles, Tow Trucks, Sanitation Workers, and Bicyclists.
The Move Over Law was passed as a result of increasing numbers of police, firefighters, EMTs, and DOT workers being killed during routine traffic stops, crash responses and highway construction projects. Violators of the Move Over Law are subject to fines up to $500 per incident.
When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with lights flashing, motorists must either move one lane over or slow below the posted speed limit. This is also applicable when passing tow trucks, highway maintenance vehicles, and utility service vehicles which are either using flashing lights or traffic cones.
In addition to the vehicles mentioned above, motorists must either change lanes or slow down to at least 10 MPH below the posted speed limit or to 25 MPH, whichever is greater, when approaching active sanitation workers and sanitation vehicles with flashing lights.
Georgia law also states that motor vehicles shall yield to a bicyclist traveling in a bicycle lane. It requires that when possible, motor vehicles shall leave at least three feet between themselves and the bicyclist traveling in the same direction when overtaking and passing the bicyclist.
Ride Safe!
Chuck Watwood
770-650-0016
