‘Move over law’ requires motorists in Pennsylvania to steer clear of emergency responders

Fines for a first offense increase from $250 to $500. That jumps to $1,000 for a second offense.

• Maria Scapellato/WESA
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  Maria Gabriel Scapellato began her radio career at a commercial radio station in Harrisburg in 1985. Later, she moved to WITF 89.5 FM as the local host of All Things Considered, returning to Pittsburgh in 1992, where she has since worked in both radio and television at various Pittsburgh stations as a general assignment reporter. Originally from West Mifflin in the Mon Valley, she studied Journalism at West Virginia University.

(Pittsburgh) — Pennsylvania drivers face stiffer fines and other penalties under the state’s Move Over Law which takes effect today.

The Move Over Law enhances a statute that had been on the books called the Steer Clear Law. It increases penalties for motorists who fail to merge away from emergency responders like police, fire and ambulance crews. It also requires drivers to slow to at least 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit if they can’t move over safely.

Fines for a first offense increase from $250 to $500. That jumps to $1,000 for a second offense and up to $2,000 and a 90-day license suspension for third and subsequent offenses.

The law also requires that drivers move away from any disabled vehicle that has at least two emergency displays including hazard lamps, road cones or flares.