Reminder on Georgia's "Move Over" Law

The Dalton Police Department would like to remind motorists of Georgia’s Move Over Law.  Under Georgia Traffic Law section 40-6-16, motorists that are approaching an emergency vehicle on the shoulder of the road must:

• make a lane change into a lane not next to the emergency vehicle when more then one lane is present and can be done safely or,
• must slow down and pass the emergency vehicle at a speed below the posted speed limit.

The Move Over Law was put into place to protect the lives of police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, tow truck operators and road maintenance workers.  Studies conducted show that the year of 2007 was the tenth consecutive year that traffic-related incidents equaled or exceeded guns as the leading cause of death for police officers across the nation and that emergency vehicles of all types continue to be struck along Georgia’s Highways, even when their emergency lights are flashing. 

Officers with the Dalton Police Department continue to experience a large number of vehicles not obeying the Move Over Law while conducting traffic stops or assisting stranded motorists. The department advises motorists that Georgia Law allows a fine of up to $500 for anyone found guilty of violating the Move Over Law.

As always, the Dalton Police Department reminds motorists to Slow Down, Buckle Up, and Drive Sober. 

Comments

[K.C]

I was wanting to know what the law was about being on a four lane when a emergency vehicle is going the opposite way you are going. The other day on Cleveland hwy there was a emergency vehicle going the opposite we were driving. The car in front of us slammed on their breaks going from 45 mph to a dead stop. My husband had to slam on breaks and go in the middle lane really fast to stop from hitting this car. It was late at night and few cars on the road. Plus the emergency vehicle was going the opposite way 3 lanes away from us. I know this has happened to other people to. You know when stuff like this comes up everyone has a different view what the law says. I thought all you had to do was slow down and be ready to stop if need be. But I have been told the law was you have to pull over and stop for every emergency vehicle no matter what. I would like to know what the law is for this. Thank you for your time.

[DPD]

The law does require that you stop for emergency vehicles. Georgia code section 40-6-74 states that upon approach of an emergency vehicle using lights/sirens, “the driver of every other vehicle shall yield right of way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle or law enforcement vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.”

And, obviously, the “move over” law requires that if you’re approaching an emergency vehicle that’s pulled over on the side of the road, you must move over one lane if possible on a multiple lane road, or if not possible, you must slow down below the speed limit and exercise due regard when passing that vehicle.

Also, it’s a very good idea to make sure you aren’t following the cars in front of you too closely. If you had to move into the center lane to avoid a collision, chances are you’re following too closely. Sometimes cars brake for other reasons, too, so it’s a good idea to always be prepared to stop if that happens.