The Michigan Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down by 10 mph and move to a different traffic lane when approaching and passing police, fire, road service and emergency response vehicles – including ambulances – as well as solid waste collection, utility service and road maintenance vehicles when any of these vehicles are stationary and their lights are flashing.
What is Michigan’s Move Over Law?
Michigan’s Move Over Law state when certain emergency or service vehicles are stopped and their lights are activated, drivers must: (1) reduce their speed by 10 miles per hour, and (2) move over into another traffic lane or least 2 vehicle widths away from the stationary emergency or service vehicle. (MCL 257.653a(1); 257.653b(1))
What vehicles trigger the law?
The law applies to “authorized emergency vehicles” which includes police vehicles, firefighting vehicles, ambulances, road service vehicles, and emergency response vehicles. (MCL 257.2(1)(a) and (c); 257.653a)
A “road service vehicle” is “a vehicle that is clearly marked and readily recognizable as a vehicle used to assist disabled vehicles.” (MCL 257.2(1)(c))
The law also applies to solid waste collection, utility service, and road maintenance vehicles. (MCL 257.653b(1))
When does the law apply?
The Move Over Law applies when any of the specified emergency or service vehicles are: (1) stationary, and (2) “giving a visual signal by means of flashing, rotating, or oscillating” lights. (MCL 257.653a(1); 257.653b(1))
How much do drivers need to slow down?
Drivers must reduce their speed “by at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.” (MCL 257.653a(1); 257.653b(1))
How much room must drivers give to emergency or service vehicles?
Where possible, drivers must “yield the right-of-way by moving into a lane at least 1 moving lane or 2 vehicle widths apart from the stationary” emergency or service vehicle. (MCL 257.653(1)(a); 257.653b(1)(a))
Penalties for violating the Michigan Move Over Law
Drivers who violate the Move Over Law could face the following penalties: (1) being found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony, (2) being sentenced to jail or prison, (3) being required to pay a fine, and (4) getting points on their Michigan driver’s license.
The penalties for violations of the law involving police, fire, road service and emergency response vehicles – including ambulances – include:
- Being responsible for a civil infraction and ordered to pay a fine of $400 as well as getting 2 points on the offending driver’s license. (MCL 257.653a(2); 257.320a(1)(o))
- Being found guilty of a felony with a fine of up to $1,000 and/or not more than 2 years in prison as well as 6 points on the offending driver’s license if the violation caused injury to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel. (MCL 257.653a(3); 257.320a(1)(b))
- Being found guilty of a felony with a fine of up to $7,500 and/or not more than 15 years in prison as well as 6 points on the offending driver’s license if the violation caused the death of a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel. (MCL 257.653a(4); 257.320a(1)(b))
The penalties for violations of the law involving solid waste collection, utility service and road maintenance vehicles include:
- Being found guilty of a misdemeanor. (MCL 257.901(1))
- Being fined up to $100 and/or being sentenced to jail for up to 90 days. (MCL 257.901(2))
Injured in a car accident in Michigan where the driver didn’t obey the Move Over Law? Call the attorneys at Michigan Auto Law for a free consultation!
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a driver who violated the Michigan Move Over Law and you had questions about your legal rights to pain and suffering compensation, No-Fault benefits and money damages, call now (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.
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