∙ Connecticut Expands Motorist “Move Over” Law

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The “move over” law requires a motorist approaching one or more stationary emergency vehicles located on the travel lane, breakdown lane, or shoulder of a highway to (1) immediately slow to a reasonable speed below the posted speed limit and (2) move over one lane if traveling in the lane adjacent to the location of the emergency vehicle, unless this would be unreasonable or unsafe. This bill applies the “move over” law to two-lane highways. The current law applies to highways with three or more lanes. For these requirements to apply, the emergency vehicle must have flashing lights activated. For purposes of the “move over” law, an “emergency vehicle” includes a maintenance vehicle or wrecker or a vehicle operated by: 1. a member of an emergency medical service organization responding to an emergency call; 2. a fire department or an officer of the department responding to a fire or other emergency; or 3. a police officer. A violation of these requirements is an infraction, unless the violation results in the injury or death of the emergency vehicle operator, in which case the fines are a maximum of$ 2,500 and $ 10,000, respectively. Effective Date: October 1, 2012 Source: Connecticut General Assembly

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