State Highway Patrol shares Move Over Law reminder
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Feb. 7, 2025) – State troopers are urging drivers to move over for their cruisers and any other vehicles with flashing lights parked alongside the road.
New Philadelphia Post Sgt. Bill Bower says failing to do so is a misdemeanor offense carrying a hefty fine if you get caught.
“The Move Over Law says anytime you see flashing lights on the berm – whether it be a state trooper, law enforcement, ODOT on the berm working or doing their jobs – you are required to move over into the left lane.”
If getting over isn’t possible, you must slow down and proceed with caution.
“A lot of the time we have secondary troopers in the area checking on not only ODOT workers but other troopers that are on traffic stops, and if we do observe the violation, you could be stopped and issued a citation.”
The fine for a first-time Move Over Law violation is $300, twice the maximum for other traffic offenses, with additional fees and penalties possible if the driver was distracted at the time.
“That plays a part in our patrol cars getting hit, ODOT workers getting hit, other workers getting hit, and our goal is to get everybody home safe to their families.”
Over the past four years, the patrol has had 55 of its cruisers involved in crashes caused by drivers failing to move over and slow down. Those crashes resulted in two deaths and 29 injuries to the public and 16 troopers getting hurt.