Florida’s Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when they pass emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility crews, sanitation trucks, or any disabled vehicle with warning lights.
The law creates a safer space on busy roads and aims to prevent the secondary crashes that can happen on highways like I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike. Many drivers do not realize how quickly a near-miss can turn into a serious collision in these areas.
If you were hurt because another driver failed to follow this law, our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer will explain your options and guide you through the steps that follow. You can reach out to us for a free consultation.
What Florida Drivers Must Do When Approaching a Stopped Vehicle
The Move Over Law, found in Florida Statutes § 316.126, outlines two clear steps based on the layout of the road:
On Roads With Two or More Lanes in the Same Direction
Drivers must move over one full lane when they can safely do so.
On Two-Lane Roads or When Traffic Will Not Allow a Lane Change
When drivers can’t merge safely, or a lane change isn’t possible, they must slow down. Under the law, drivers must reduce their speed to:
- 20 miles per hour below the posted limit if the limit is 25 mph or higher, or
- 5 miles per hour when the posted limit is 20 miles per hour or lower.
These lower speeds help protect anyone standing or working near the roadway.
Which Vehicles Does Florida’s Move Over Law Cover?
The law applies when the stopped vehicle has flashing lights, hazard lights, or other visible signals. It covers any vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road, including:
- Police vehicles
- Fire trucks
- Ambulances
- Tow trucks
- Maintenance and utility service vehicles
- Sanitation trucks
- Roadside assistance vehicles
- Construction vehicles
- Disabled vehicles owned by regular motorists that show hazard lights or warning flares
Penalties for Violations
A driver who ignores the Florida Move Over Law can face:
- Moving violations (e.g., speeding, failing to yield, or ignoring traffic signals)
- Fines and court fees
- Points on their driver’s license
If the violation causes a crash, the driver may face additional civil exposure. In serious cases, the injured party may pursue damages for medical care, lost income, and long-term effects.
How Violations of Florida’s Move Over Law Lead to Injury Claims
When a driver fails to change lanes or slow down, the risk to the person on the shoulder of a road increases. These crashes can happen at highway speeds, which means the injuries can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Severe orthopedic injuries
- Burns from vehicle fires
- Spinal injuries
- Fatal injuries
A driver who ignores the law and causes a crash can be held responsible for the damage. In cases involving a commercial truck, responsibility may also extend to the trucking company, the loading crew, or the company that handles the truck’s maintenance.
How Our Lawyer Helps After a Florida Move Over Crash
Many people do not know how complex these cases of Florida’s Move Over Crash law can become. A roadside crash might involve:
- Conflicting statements about whether traffic allowed a lane change
- Arguments over speed
- Questions about lighting or visibility
- Issues related to dash-cam footage, body cam footage, and nearby surveillance
When we handle these cases, we review every detail, gather evidence early, speak with witnesses, and work with specialists who can show how the crash happened.
Injured people can feel pressure when dealing with multiple insurance carriers. This is why we take these calls and direct all communications through our law office.
We Will File Your Lawsuit on Time
If we have to sue to recover your damages, we will meet Florida’s filing deadline for your case. Most personal injury cases fall under Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(a), which generally gives injured people two years to file a negligence lawsuit. Wrongful death cases also follow a two-year deadline.
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
What to Do if You Were Hurt Because Someone Did Not Move Over
You can take the steps early on that support your recovery and give you a stronger footing if you plan to pursue a claim:
- Get a medical exam right away: An early exam documents your injuries and links them to the crash. You may also learn what to expect as you recover and what treatment you may need moving forward.
- Photograph the crash scene if possible: Take pictures of vehicle positions, damage, and road conditions that help show what happened. These details often disappear quickly once traffic resumes.
- Keep all receipts, repair invoices, and medical records: These documents show the costs of your injuries and property damage suffered. They also help create a clear timeline of your treatment and recovery.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies: Adjusters can use anything you say to limit your claim. You can direct those calls to our firm. We won’t let the insurance company twist your words or take them out of context.
- Speak with our firm before agreeing to any settlement: Our personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale will explain whether the offer reflects the full scope of your injuries. Once you accept a settlement, you usually cannot go back and request more.
Learn How We Can Help With Your Florida Move Over Law Case
People injured after a driver ignores the Move Over Law may feel frustrated when trying to recover damages from the insurance company. When you come to Blakeley Law Firm, you will work with a local attorney who will step in right away and help balance the situation.
Our firm has recovered $250+ million for clients and brings 40 years of combined experience, and we use that experience to move your case forward. Many clients choose us because they want access to a lawyer, quick answers, and steady guidance during the process.
We are South Florida’s most well-known Personal Injury Lawyer, and we make sure clients feel seen and heard. Someone from our office will call you back, explain what is happening with your case, and work to keep things moving without unnecessary delays. We will stand with you as we pursue the accountability you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
