May is ‘Move Over Month’

In an effort to drive home the message of year round safety of Maryland’s emergency responders, the Maryland State Police remind motorists that May is “Move Over Month”.

As part of the effort to boost awareness of the ‘move over’ law, a decal, provided by the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF) was unveiled at a press conference earlier this year.  The decal reads, “If I’m on the Shoulder, Slow Down and Move Over” and serves as a reminder for drivers approaching from the rear of an emergency vehicle using visual signals while stopped on the highway to, if possible, make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle or slow down to a reasonable prudent speed.  Although state troopers will display the decal on their patrol cars for the month of Mary, the intended message will ultimately last a lifetime.

Violation of the ‘move over’ law is primary offense with a fine of $110 and one point.  If the violation contributes to a traffic crash, the fine is $150 and three points.  If the violation contributes to a traffic crash resulting in death or serious injury, the fine escalates to $750 and three points.