Pennsylvania’s revamped Move Over Law carries hefty fines for violators

PITTSBURGH — Pennsylvania’s revamped Move Over Law went into effect Tuesday.

Drivers unable to safely merge into another lane when approaching an emergency response area must now slow down to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit.

“An emergency response area is where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have lighted flares, posted signs or try to warn travelers,” the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said in a reminder to drivers.

Drivers must move over or slow down for all responders, such as police, firefighters and ambulances, as well as stopped tow trucks and maintenance vehicles. This also applies when drivers see disabled vehicles on the side of the road.

“PA is serious about it. We’re very serious about it,” Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Melinda Bondarenka said. “There’s deaths happening because of that. We want to make sure people are paying attention to that and obeying by the law.”

Violators of the law face a citation that carries a fine of $500 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 and a 90-day license suspension for a third or subsequent offense.

In cases of violation that lead to serious injury or death of another person, penalties increase.

TRAFFIC: Move-Over Law

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