PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that expands Florida’s "Move Over" law. It goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
According to AAA, Florida's current "Move Over" law requires drivers to slow down and/or move over one lane for emergency responders. It includes tow trucks, municipal vehicles and utility vehicles.
With the new changes, AAA officials say Florida will become the 17th state requiring drivers to move over for all disabled vehicles, as well. HB 425 requires drivers to move over for a broken-down vehicle showing either hazard lights, emergency flares or emergency signage.
Drivers who don't slow down and move over could receive a noncriminal moving violation and be hit with a fine of up to $158.
According to a survey from AAA, nearly a quarter of all drivers do not know "move over" laws exist. Nationwide, AAA says nearly 350 people are hit and killed outside a disabled vehicle each year, adding that Florida had 112 deaths between 2016 and 2020. The only states with more fatalities were California with 281 deaths and Texas with 268 deaths.
You can find AAA's list of tips for drivers to protect roadside workers and stranded drivers here.