Uncovering the Truth about the "Move Over" Law - Ask a Lawyer Ep-21

If you're driving down the road, and you see that police have someone pulled over, are you legally required to move over?

Surprisingly, NO, you don't HAVE to move over. However, if you stay in the lane closest to the police officer, then you MUST reduce your speed to 20 mph under the posted speed limit. If you don't want to slow down, then yes, you have to move over one lane.

This doesn't just apply to police vehicles, but pretty much every vehicle with emergency lights.

But that makes you wonder…

TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE
Sec. 545.157. PASSING CERTAIN VEHICLES.
(a) This section
applies only to the following vehicles:

(1) a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using
visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305
and 547.702;

(2) a stationary tow truck using equipment authorized
by Section 547.305(d); and

(3) a Texas Department of Transportation vehicle not
separated from the roadway by a traffic control channelizing
device and using visual signals that comply with the standards
and specifications adopted under Section 547.105.

(b) On approaching a vehicle described by Subsection (a),
an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer,
shall:

(1) vacate the lane closest to the vehicle when
driving on a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the
direction of the vehicle; or

(2) slow to a speed not to exceed:

(A) 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed
limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or more; or

(B) five miles per hour when the posted speed
limit is less than 25 miles per hour.

(c) A violation of this section is:

(1) a misdemeanor punishable under Section 542.401;

(2) a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500 if the
violation results in property damage; or

(3) a Class B misdemeanor if the violation results in bodily injury.

What is the Move Over Law?
Move Over Law
Move over, it's the law
What if you don't move over?
Texas Move Over Law
Slow Down or Move Over
First Amendment Audit

Видео Uncovering the Truth about the "Move Over" Law - Ask a Lawyer Ep-21 канала Matthew Harris Law, PLLC