News

New Law Requires Motorists to Provide Safety Cushion for Police

Published March 26, 2009

New Jersey’s newly enacted “Move Over Law,” designed to keep emergency responders safe, requires motorists to move over to another lane or slow down below the posted speed limit when approaching authorized vehicles displaying emergency lights. The law covers police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, highway maintenance vehicles and official motorist aid vehicles.

According to a New Jersey State Police press release, nationwide since 1997, more than 150 law enforcement officers have been killed after being struck by vehicles along America’s highways. New Jersey is the 44th state to pass this type of law.

Violators of the “Move Over Law” face a fine ranging from $100 to $500 however, no points will be assessed.

Various agencies, including the Office of the Attorney General, the State Police, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, the Motor Vehicle Commission, the Department of Transportation, the NJ Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute and AAA Clubs of NJ have come together to bring public awareness to the recently enacted law. Their efforts to educate the state’s drivers include everything from transmitting messages on digital highway signs and providing local law enforcement with informational posters, to the creation of a new web site and plans to distribute fliers at minor league ballparks during the summer months.

The complete text of the law  is available from the New Jersey Legislature web site.