Sheriff reminds people about the Move-Over law

The Move-Over law, Florida Statute 316.126, requires drivers to move over or slow down when passing a law enforcement officer or other emergency services worker who is parked alongside the road with emergency lights flashing.

“Many law enforcement officers in the United States are killed each year while conducting traffic stops because driver’s fail to move over, and they hit the officers as they stand roadside,” said Sheriff Bob Peryam. “This Florida law, which has been adopted in almost every state in the country, is an important one and it is one we here in Monroe County take very seriously.”

If you are driving and see a police vehicle, ambulance, fire truck, or tow truck with its lights on beside the road, give the emergency responder room to work and make sure they remain safe as they operate. Move over or slow down. It’s the law, and the penalty is steep: three points on your license and a fine of $166.