ST. LOUIS – Have you thought about what to do when you’re driving and see flashing lights and the sound of an alarm in your rearview mirror? Missouri has a law called “Move Over” and if you don’t abide by it, it could mean a ticket or even jail time.
It’s important to be aware of traffic laws, and the “Move Over” law is designed with safety in mind. In Missouri and many other places, when emergency vehicles with lights and sirens approach, it’s required to move over to allow them to pass safely.
This helps create a clear path for emergency responders and reduces the risk of accidents. Always stay aware while on the road and follow traffic laws to keep yourself and others safe.
The law says that the Move Over law in Missouri says that drivers must change lanes if it is safe to do so when they are coming up behind a flashing MoDOT, police, or emergency car. Citizens who need to pass emergency cars must slow down if they can’t safely change lanes.
When you see a vehicle with lights on the side of the road, either red/blue or amber/white lights, you need to:
If you’re on a road with at least four lanes, try to change lanes away from the stationary vehicle.
If changing lanes is not safe or possible, reduce your speed and proceed with caution, maintaining a safe speed for the road conditions.
If you don’t move over for emergency vehicles, you may be ticketed or arrested. Not only that, depending on the situation, you could hold up an emergency vehicle from getting to their destination.
