Extra troopers on road to enforce Move Over Law this weekend

Washington State Patrol troopers will be working overtime this weekend to carry out a patrol emphasis aimed at raising awareness about the state’s Move Over Law.

The law governs vehicles approaching areas where an emergency is happening and was updated last year to include work zones. It requires drivers approaching either of the two scenarios to be cautious, slow down, and if safe, move over or change lanes.

An emergency or work-zone vehicle includes law enforcement and medical vehicles with flashing lights and sirens, tow trucks with flashing red lights, other vehicles providing roadside assistance with warning lights and signs, and stationary or slow-moving highway construction or maintenance vehicles.

An emergency or work zone is the adjacent lanes of the roadway, as well as 200 feet before and after the area, generally marked by a vehicle. If there are two lanes going in the same direction, drivers should move into the left lane.

If drivers fail to move over, they can be fined $214. Troopers said the penalty “cannot be waived or reduced,” according to a news release.

Troopers pulled over 4,764 drivers for violating the law in 2018. The news release emphasized that law enforcement officers are on the roads every day, and the patrol emphasis set to run through Sunday is meant to keep them and others safe. Since 2016, 104 patrol cars have been struck on the side of a road, injuring 27 people.

“Spring is here and more people will be out on the roads traveling and enjoying the weather. The Washington State Patrol would like to remind drivers to slow down and move over when they see emergency lights. It’s safe, and it’s the law,” the news release says.