Legal Consequences for Violating Move Over Laws

Legal consequences for violating a Move Over law can include fines and criminal charges. Move Over laws are important for public safety, and if you’re facing a penalty for violating it, accident and injury attorneys in Phoenix can help you understand the consequences.

What Are Move Over Laws?

Move Over laws exist in every state in the United States and refer to laws that require drivers to move over or change lanes to give space to utility workers, police, ambulances, firefighters, and tow-truck drivers. These laws differ across states with regards to when drivers must move over. Each law has its own list of penalties and which vehicles drivers must make space for.

In some states, including in Arizona, motorists are legally required to move into another lane when passing a police officer or emergency personnel. If moving into another lane is impossible, drivers must reduce their speed and drive cautiously until they are past the vehicle in question. The same applies to any stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights, such as someone stopped on the side of the highway with their emergency lights on.

Why Move Over Violations Happen

Drivers most often do not fail to move over out of malice, but from unawareness of the law, distraction, or fatigue. None of these factors excuse liability. In the United States, nine people are killed every day in accidents involving a distracted driver.

Looking at information like Scottsdale intersection accident data or Phoenix car-related casualties makes it clear how vital laws like this are. Arizona, like many states, instituted these laws because of injuries to state and emergency workers and they take violations, even unintentional ones, seriously.

Consequences of Violating Move Over Laws

The penalties for violating a Move Over law varies based on the consequences of the violation.

In most states, if there is no injury or damage as a result of the driver’s actions, the driver is charged a civil fine, often starting at $150 or $250. In Arizona, the minimum fine for the first offense is $275. If the motorist receives a second violation within a five-year period, this number increases to $500. The third and each subsequent violation within five years is $1,000.

Of course, if the driver is responsible for property damage or injury to a person, they can be targeted with misdemeanor or felony charges. Because Arizona is an at-fault state, the motorist can then be held responsible for all costs associated with the damage. This is why it’s important for drivers to know their rights and the legal rights of rental car accident victims.

Protecting Yourself

When it comes to navigating the aftermath of a move over violation, it pays to have someone in your corner. Gage Mathers Law Group has a long history of representing people injured by negligent drivers. 

Our experts can handle complex cases involving personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death. With our insight into Arizona law, we can secure the maximum compensation for our clients!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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