Move Over, Slow Down: We Explain This California Driving Law

The Move Over, Slow Down law is enacted in all 50 states, yet it is one of those laws that many people forget about or don't even know about. Each state has different stipulations and interpretations of the law, but California has made some changes to its rules since it was first introduced in 2007. Find out the rules of the Move Over, Slow Down law in California below!

The Beginning

This law was put in place to protect public safety personnel on the highways. In California, it took effect on July 1, 2007, and required California motorists approaching emergency vehicles or tow trucks displaying emergency or amber flashing lights to move over to a lane not adjacent to the emergency vehicles or vehicle. If this was not practical or safe to do so, the motorist must slow down to a reasonable or prudent speed that is safe for the existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.

Change In 2010

The first change to the Move Over law took place on January 1, 2010. This amendment added Caltrans vehicles to the list of required vehicles to move over or slow down for. This change was for crews working on shoulders or closed lanes of the highway, just inches from moving traffic. It gave them some extra space to help keep everyone safe and traffic flowing.

Another Change In 2021

The latest amendment to the Move Over, Slow Down law went into effect on January 1, 2021. The change extended the provisions of the law that are currently in place on freeways to also apply to local streets and roads. This means that drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying emergency lights, including tow trucks and Caltrans vehicles, must now move over to another lane when possible, or slow down to a reasonable speed on all roadways, not just freeways.

The Fines

While all 50 states have enacted Move Over laws, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 71% of Americans have not heard of them. While you may not have heard about them, that does not mean you can't be ticketed for disobeying the law. In California, failure to obey the Move Over law can result in fines up to $1,000, plus points on your driving record.

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