The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA

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January 27, 2012

Move over, it’s the law

Submitted by the Dalton Police Department

In July of 2003, a law went into effect to protect officers as well as violators of traffic laws while they were on the shoulder of the road.

The law is commonly known as the Move Over Law, so named because it requires motorists approaching any law enforcement officers that are conducting traffic stops to make a lane change into a lane not next to the emergency vehicle when more than one lane is present and can be done safely. If they can not make a safe lane change, they must slow and pass the emergency vehicle at a speed below the posted speed limit.

According to FBI statistics, officers killed by traffic-related crashes, which includes officers hit by motor vehicles while working outside their patrol cars, outnumber the number killed by gunfire. The Move Over Law also protects other emergency responders such as EMS technicians, fire personnel, tow truck operators and maintenance workers.     

Officers with the Dalton Police Department continue to experience a large number of vehicles not obeying the law while they conduct traffic stops or assist stranded motorists. The department advises motorists that Georgia law allows a fine of up to $500 for anyone found guilty of violating the law.

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