Move Over Law

Does Arkansas Have A Move Over Law?

Move Over Law Effective In Arkansas Since August 16, 2013*

The side of the road is a very dangerous place to be with traffic flying by, but this is exactly where thousands of law enforcement officers, firefighters, rescue personnel, ARDOT workers, and other personnel do their jobs every day. Many of these individuals have been injured and killed from being struck by passing vehicles. As a result, the Arkansas General Assembly passed legislation in 2013 requiring motorists to move over a lane or slow down to a cautionary speed when approaching stationary vehicles on the road or side of the road that are displaying flashing, blinking or alternating blue, red or amber lights

A new law requiring Arkansas drivers to “move over” for more than just police, fire trucks, and ambulances goes into effect Friday (Aug. 16, 2013), according to Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department officials.

The law requires drivers to move over not only for emergency vehicles, but vehicles owned by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department and its contractors. It also includes utility vehicles, tow trucks, or authorized vehicles displaying, blue, red, amber, white, or green lights that are flashing, revolving or rotating.

Arkansas Agencies Form Arrow to Raise 'Move Over' Law Awareness

March 4, 2020 The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office along with more than 30 agencies across the state and 60 plus police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and tow trucks formed an arrow to symbolize the "Move Over Law" Tuesday night at the state fairgrounds.

The sheriff's office partnered with J Hook Towing and Recovery for the event.

The "Move Over Law" requires drivers to get over as far as possible for any stopped vehicle with flashing lights.

Source:

Story at KATV.com

https://katv.com/news/local/arkansas-agencies-form-arrow-to-raise-move-over-law-awarness

Bill at arkleg.state.ar.us/acts/

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Acts/Document?type=pdf&act=579&ddBienniumSession=2013%2F2013R


MORE ON THE MOVE OVER LAW

Arkansas Code Title 27. Transportation § 27-51-310. Passing authorized vehicle stopped on highway

(a) As used in this section, “authorized vehicle” means a vehicle that:

  1. (1) Displays a flashing, revolving, or rotating blue, red, amber, amber and red, white, or green light; and
  2. (2) Is one (1) of the following:
  • (A) An emergency response vehicle.
  • (B) A law enforcement vehicle.
  • (C) An Arkansas Department of Transportation vehicle.
  • (D) An Arkansas Department of Transportation contractor vehicle.
  • (E) A utility company vehicle; or
  • (F) A vehicle used in a towing operation as defined under § 27-51-904 .

(b)(1) Except as provided under subdivision (b)(2) of this section, the driver of a motor vehicle that is approaching an authorized vehicle that is stopped or parked on a street, road, or highway or on the shoulder of a street, road, or highway shall:

  • (A) Move to the farthest possible lane or position from the authorized vehicle.
  • (B) Remain in that lane or position until the driver passes the authorized vehicle; and
  • (C) Otherwise exercise due caution.

(2) If the driver determines that it is unsafe or not possible to change lanes as required under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, the driver shall:

  • (A) Reduce the motor vehicle's speed.
  • (B) Exercise due caution; and
  • (C) Maintain a reduced speed appropriate to the street, road, or highway and the conditions through the area where the authorized vehicle is stopped or parked.

(c)(1) A person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), confined in the county jail not to exceed ninety (90) days, or both fined and imprisoned.

(2) In addition to the penalties prescribed in subdivision (c)(1) of this section, the court may order community service for not more than seven (7) days and may suspend the person's driver's license for a period of not less than ninety (90) days nor more than six (6) months.

  • (d) There is created a rebuttable presumption that shall arise in any criminal action under this section to the effect that if it can be proven that a person is the registered owner of a vehicle that is driven in a manner that violates this section, the person is presumed to have been the driver of the vehicle at the time of the violation.

*Source: Arkansas Code Title 27. Transportation § 27-51-310. Passing authorized vehicle stopped on highway

Move Over Arkansas! It's the law.