Georgia’s “Move Over” Law
Georgia wisely passed a “Move Over” law in an effort to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities to police officers, paramedics, firefighters, tow truck operators and highway maintenance workers. The law was passed in response to an increased number of police officers and emergency personnel being killed or seriously injured by passing motorists.
In its most basic terms, the law requires drivers to move-over one lane, when possible, if an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is parked on the shoulder of the highway. If the driver is unable to move over, the law requires the driver to slow down below the speed limit and to be prepared to stop.
This entire statutory text of the law, codified as O.C.G.A. § 40-6-16 is as follows:
(a) This Code section shall be known and may be cited as the “Spencer Pass Law.”
(b) The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying flashing yellow, amber, white, red, or blue lights shall approach the authorized emergency vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a peace officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change under paragraph (1) of this subsection would be impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
(c) The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary towing or recovery vehicle or a stationary highway maintenance vehicle that is displaying flashing yellow, amber, or red lights shall approach the vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a peace officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the towing, recovery, or highway maintenance vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change under paragraph (1) of this subsection would be impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
(d) Violation of subsection (b) or (c) of this Code section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00.
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, citing FBI statistics, noted that traffic crashes claim the lives of more police personnel than any other cause of death in the line of duty, including shootings. As you travel Georgia roads, please adhere to this law and protect the lives of those who keep us safe.
