What Is the Georgia Move-Over Law?

We have all been traveling in a car when we see an emergency vehicle attending to an accident scene. Oftentimes, police, fire, and emergency medical personnel have parked their own vehicles on the highway shoulder while they stop to render necessary aid to the accident victims. Unfortunately, there have been far too many situations where passing cars have managed to strike these first responders as they are exposed to traffic on the side of the road.

The Importance of Georgia’s Move-Over Law for Road Safety

To combat this problem, Georgia legislators passed the Spencer Pass Law, also known as the Move-Over Law. Codified in Georgia Code § 40-6-16, the basic requirements of the Move-Over Law are simple. If a driver sees an authorized emergency vehicle that is stopped and flashing its emergency lights, that driver must exercise “due caution” in approaching the scene and change lanes into a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle. If for any reason a safe lane change is impossible, illegal, or unsafe, then the driver must slow down to a “reasonable and proper speed” for the existing traffic conditions–which must be below the posted speed limit–and prepare to stop if needed.

The Move-Over Law does not just apply to stopped emergency vehicles. It also applies to a stationary towing, recovery, maintenance, or utility service vehicle. Basically, if you see any kind of official vehicle stopped on the shoulder and flashing their lights, you should move over one lane away from the shoulder. Do not take the risk of causing another accident.

Consequences of Violating the Move-Over Law

Violating the Move-Over Law is a traffic violation punishable by a fine of up to $500 in cases involving emergency vehicles, and $250 for other types of vehicles. The Georgia Department of Driver Services will also impose a penalty of 3 points against the offending driver’s license. Keep in mind that ignorance of the law is never an excuse. In other words, a driver cannot claim they did not know about the Move-Over Law to avoid the penalties described above.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Assist Victims of Move-Over Law Violations

While a fine and a few license points may not seem like that big a deal, what is of greater concern with violations of Georgia’s Move-Over Law is the potential for a driver to injure or kill someone.

Indeed, the whole reason Georgia passed the Move-Over Law in the first place was to protect first responders and other workers whose jobs require them to be parked on the side of the road when traffic may be present. If a reckless driver ignores the Move-Over Law and injures or kills one of those workers–or the people they are trying to help–that driver could face a personal injury claim.

If you have been injured in such a scenario, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced Georgia car accident attorney who can represent you in seeking compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Call the Larrison Law Firm today at 770-554-98100 to schedule a consultation.