Virginia enforces revised Move Over Law to enhance roadside safety

On July 1, Virginia’s Move Over Law underwent a vital modification, now mandating drivers to yield or reduce speed for halted vehicles displaying their hazards lights, road flares, or other warning signs. Previously, the law solely required drivers to accommodate emergency vehicles.

The augmented legislation serves to ensure the safety of motorists in non-operational vehicles, reminiscent of unfortunate incidents like that of Angela Hurley. Last year, Hurley, 49, was in her car on the side of Interstate 95 in Hanover, waiting for assistance, when 70-year-old Levi E. Braxton III, in an attempt to pass another car, fatally hit her vehicle parked on the shoulder.

Non-compliant drivers could now face tickets and fines of up to $250 under the new law.

The update extends safeguards to stationary vehicles that exhibit hazard lights and warning signs such as emergency triangles or flares. A practical application of this law might involve a motorist who has pulled over to the side of the road to address a flat tire.

The law maintains its applicability to vehicles halted on the road’s side with flashing red, blue, or amber lights, obligating drivers to either switch lanes or reduce speed. The detailed legal code sections outline the precise requirements for drivers when encountering different types of stationary vehicles displaying various warning lights or signals.

If a violation leads to property damage, the offender’s driving privileges may be suspended for up to a year. Should the violation cause injury or death, the court can order a suspension of up to two years. However, these provisions are exempted in highway work zones as specified.

This updated Move Over Law marks a significant step in reinforcing roadside safety and curtailing potential hazards. As we adapt to this regulation, we can expect a safer driving environment for everyone using Virginia’s roads, ensuring that unfortunate incidents like Angela Hurley’s do not occur in the future.