January is ‘Move Over Month’ - What You Need to Know

Driving in Florida requires more than just knowing the rules of the road; it demands an awareness of safety laws designed to protect motorists, emergency responders, and roadside workers alike. Among these is Florida’s Move Over Law, which has undergone significant amendments to enhance road safety for everyone.

The most recent update to the law, effective in 2024, underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all individuals on Florida’s highways and byways.

If you’ve been injured in a roadside accident, consulting a Miami personal injury attorney can help you protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

The History of Florida’s Move Over Law

Florida’s Move Over Law, introduced in 1971, was initially designed to protect emergency personnel working near roadways. Over the years, the law has evolved to cover a broader range of vehicles, ensuring safety for utility workers, maintenance teams, and now, disabled vehicles.

Key amendments include:

• 2014: The inclusion of utility and sanitation vehicles displaying flashing lights.
• 2021: The addition of road and bridge maintenance or construction vehicles.
• 2024: Drivers are now required to move over or slow down for all disabled vehicles displaying hazard or warning lights.

These changes reflect the state’s commitment to reducing roadside accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone ignoring this law, a Florida personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process.

The Expanded Law in 2024: What’s New?

The 2024 amendment significantly broadened the scope of the Move Over Law. Drivers must now:

1. Move over when possible, for any disabled vehicle displaying hazard lights.
2. Slow down when moving over isn’t possible:
   1. Reduce speed by 20 mph below the posted limit if the speed limit is over 20 mph.
   2. Slow to 5 mph when the limit is 20 mph or less.

Ignoring these rules can result in fines, points on your license, and even serious accidents. Victims of these accidents can seek help from a Miami traffic accident lawyer to hold negligent drivers accountable.

The Consequences of Violating the Move Over Law

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 170 crashes statewide in 2024 due to noncompliance with the Move Over Law, resulting in one fatality and 10 serious injuries. Additionally, more than 15,000 citations were issued for violations through November 2024.

Failure to comply can lead to:

• Fines and Points: Drivers can face steep penalties and higher insurance premiums.
• Accidents and Injuries: Violating the law puts both roadside workers and other motorists at risk.

For victims of these accidents, a Florida traffic accident attorney can help recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Why the Move Over Law Matters

The Move Over Law exists to save lives. Roadside emergencies are inherently dangerous, and creating a safe buffer zone can prevent tragedies. Drivers who fail to respect the law often place vulnerable individuals—such as stranded motorists or maintenance workers—in grave danger.

For a detailed breakdown of this law, visit the Move Over Law page on FLHSMV’s website. Victims of accidents caused by noncompliance can seek justice with the help of a skilled Miami personal injury attorney.

Tips for Compliance

To stay compliant with the Move Over Law, follow these simple tips:

1. Stay Alert: Watch for flashing lights or vehicles stopped on the shoulder.
2. Plan Ahead: Merge early if you see a stopped vehicle in the distance.
3. Slow Down: Reduce your speed significantly if moving over isn’t possible.
4. Use Turn Signals: Communicate lane changes to other drivers.

For more guidance on road safety, check out this guide to avoiding car accidents.

Promoting Awareness: January is Move Over Month

To increase awareness of this important law, Florida designates January as Move Over Month. During this time, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) emphasizes public education and enforcement efforts to remind drivers of their responsibilities.

Despite these efforts, violations still occur. If you’ve suffered injuries due to a driver failing to follow the law, contact a Miami traffic accident lawyer to explore your legal options.

Seeking Legal Help After a Move Over Law Violation

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a driver violating the Move Over Law, it’s essential to understand your rights. A knowledgeable Florida personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering

At Wolfson & Leon, our experienced bilingual personal injury lawyers are dedicated to fighting for justice. Since 1963, our team has proudly served accident victims across Florida:

• Miami
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Jacksonville
• Fort Lauderdale
• West Palm Beach
• Fort Myers
• Cape Coral
• Sarasota
• Clearwater
• Tallahassee

Let us help you get back on the road to recovery. Call (305) 285-1115 today and our team will handle your case with the personal care and attention you deserve.

Final Thoughts

Florida’s Move Over Law is more than a regulation—it’s a life-saving measure. By moving over or slowing down for disabled vehicles, drivers contribute to a safer environment for everyone. For those affected by roadside accidents, seeking legal advice from a Miami personal injury attorney can help secure the compensation needed to move forward.

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