“Would you please explain the “Move Over Law” as it concerns Michigan?”

 — Cindy from Niles

Cindy, thank you for your concern as this concerns emergency vehicles on the side of the road.

MVC 257.653a, Stationary emergency vehicle giving visual signal; duty of approaching vehicle to exhibit due care and caution; violation; penalty, states “(1) Upon approaching and passing a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is giving a visual signal by means of flashing, rotating, or oscillating red, blue, or white lights as permitted by section 698, the driver of an approaching vehicle shall exhibit due care and caution, as required under the following:

“(a) On any public roadway with at least two adjacent lanes proceeding in the same direction of the stationary authorized emergency vehicle, the driver of the approaching vehicle shall proceed with caution and yield the right-of-way by moving into a lane at least one moving lane or two vehicle widths apart from the stationary authorized emergency vehicle, unless directed otherwise by a police officer. If movement to an adjacent lane or two vehicle widths apart is not possible due to weather, road conditions, or the immediate presence of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in parallel moving lanes, the driver of the approaching vehicle shall proceed as required in subdivision (b).

“(b) On any public roadway that does not have at least two adjacent lanes proceeding in the same direction as the stationary authorized emergency vehicle, or if the movement by the driver of the vehicle into an adjacent lane or two vehicle widths apart is not possible as described in subdivision (a), the approaching vehicle shall reduce and maintain a safe speed for weather, road conditions, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic and proceed with due care and caution, or as directed by a police officer.

(2) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (4), a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both. (3) A person who violates this section and causes injury to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel in the immediate area of the stationary authorized emergency vehicle is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both. (4) A person who violates this section and causes death to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel in the immediate area of the stationary authorized emergency vehicle is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $7,500.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 15 years, or both.”

MVC 257.653b Approaching and passing stationary solid waste collection vehicle, utility service vehicle, or road maintenance vehicle; reduction and maintenance of safe speed; definitions, states” (1) Upon approaching and passing a stationary solid waste collection vehicle, a utility service vehicle, or a road maintenance vehicle that is giving a visual signal by means of flashing, rotating, or oscillating amber lights as permitted by section 698, the driver of an approaching vehicle shall reduce to and maintain a safe speed for weather, road conditions, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic and proceed with due care and caution.

Please be safe when approaching and passing any vehicle on the side of the road and be observant of possible pedestrians around the vehicles.

 

Any questions or comments please email me at TrooperRob53@yahoo.com