RALEIGH, N.C. – The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program and law enforcement agencies across the state are launching a statewide enforcement campaign to remind drivers about the importance of North Carolina’s Move Over Law.
The enforcement effort will run from May 12 through May 18 and will focus on increasing awareness and compliance with the law designed to protect emergency responders and roadside workers.
North Carolina’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over one lane, when possible, or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside displaying flashing blue, red, or amber lights. The law applies to law enforcement officers, emergency responders, utility crews, and N.C. Department of Transportation workers operating along highways and roadsides.
“Our emergency transportation and utility responders put themselves in harm’s way each day to keep our roads safe,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Program Director Mark Ezzell. “The Move Over Law is not just a suggestion; it’s the law, and a crucial component to ensure the safety of these responders and others. This campaign is a vital step in educating drivers and fostering a culture of safety on North Carolina roadways.”
Officials say drivers who fail to comply with the Move Over Law could face a $250 fine along with misdemeanor or felony charges if violations result in injury or property damage.
Colonel Freddy Johnson Jr., commander of the N.C. State Highway Patrol, said roadside workers face dangerous conditions daily and rely on drivers to help keep them safe.
“Slowing down and moving over is a simple way to help protect law enforcement, first responders, and others who work on the roads at all hours of the day,” Johnson said. “These emergency personnel work in dangerous situations all the time, but drivers really increase that risk for them when they ignore the flashing lights and don’t comply with the law.”
State officials encourage drivers to stay alert, reduce speed, and safely change lanes whenever approaching roadside emergency activity.
