(Sept. 3, 2015) The Berlin Police Department will be focusing its attention and educating the public on the “Move Over” law throughout the month.
Maryland now requires motorists who are traveling in the same general direction as a stopped emergency vehicle to change lanes. The law stipulates that a stopped emergency vehicle should be flashing its lights, and a stopped emergency vehicle could even be a tow truck.
Motorists are required to change to a driving lane that is not immediately adjacent to the lane in which the stopped emergency vehicle is parked.
Drivers who see an emergency vehicle pulled over on the side of a Maryland highway should move over to a non-adjacent driving lane or, in instances where that’s not possible, slow to a safe speed.
According to Maryland law enforcement, 2,600 motorists were cited in just two months in late 2013.
Tow trucks are a new addition due to cases of AAA truck operators getting hit while assisting motorists of broken-down vehicles.
Many tow truck operators and police officers are happy with the addition since both have been rear-ended before while making stops in Maryland. That said, the move over law has continued to protect police officers since its signing into law in late 2010.
Violation of the “move over” law is a primary offense with a fine of $110 and one point. If the violation contributes to a traffic crash, the fine is $150 and three points. If the violation contributes to a traffic crash resulting in death or serious injury, the fine is $750 and three points.
Maryland now requires motorists who are traveling in the same general direction as a stopped emergency vehicle to change lanes. The law stipulates that a stopped emergency vehicle should be flashing its lights, and a stopped emergency vehicle could even be a tow truck.
Motorists are required to change to a driving lane that is not immediately adjacent to the lane in which the stopped emergency vehicle is parked.
Drivers who see an emergency vehicle pulled over on the side of a Maryland highway should move over to a non-adjacent driving lane or, in instances where that’s not possible, slow to a safe speed.
According to Maryland law enforcement, 2,600 motorists were cited in just two months in late 2013.
Tow trucks are a new addition due to cases of AAA truck operators getting hit while assisting motorists of broken-down vehicles.
Many tow truck operators and police officers are happy with the addition since both have been rear-ended before while making stops in Maryland. That said, the move over law has continued to protect police officers since its signing into law in late 2010.
Violation of the “move over” law is a primary offense with a fine of $110 and one point. If the violation contributes to a traffic crash, the fine is $150 and three points. If the violation contributes to a traffic crash resulting in death or serious injury, the fine is $750 and three points.