FLORIDA - Florida transportation officials are launching a statewide initiative to raise awareness about the Move Over Law, a critical traffic regulation aimed at protecting roadside workers and stranded drivers.
This renewed effort follows a tragic incident on New Year’s Day when a 28-year-old road ranger was killed while responding to a crash in Broward County.
The Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching a vehicle stopped on the side of the road with its hazard lights on.
If switching lanes is not possible, drivers must reduce their speed by 20 mph below the posted limit.
This law extends protection to first responders, utility workers, construction crews, sanitation workers, and any disabled vehicles displaying hazard lights.
In 2024, the law expanded to include all vehicles with hazards on, resulting in a surge of citations.
Last year alone, over 14,000 citations were issued statewide.
That number increased by more than 2,500 after the expansion, underscoring the urgency of driver compliance.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) are partnering with AAA, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and others to run this month-long campaign.
As part of the effort, troopers will speak directly with drivers during patrols, reminding them to move over or slow down when approaching stopped vehicles.
AAA has also introduced new tools to promote safety, collaborating with navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps to alert drivers when roadside technicians are nearby.
Nationwide, an estimated two emergency responders are killed each month while assisting stranded motorists.
FLHSMV emphasizes the importance of educating young and new drivers year-round.
The Move Over Law is now included in the Florida Driver Handbook and tested on the state’s driver knowledge exam.
The urgency of this campaign is highlighted by the recent tragedy in Broward County.
While the investigation into the crash is ongoing, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working on Florida's roadways.
By spreading awareness and enforcing compliance, officials aim to prevent further loss of life and protect all those who must work or stop along the state’s highways.