Learn about the below 7 critical rules of Georgia Move Over Law; help keep lives safe and avoid getting fined. Learn about what OCGA 40-6-6 requires below!
Driving in Georgia can indeed be real fun, as this is a state that separately boasts rolling hills, beautiful highways, and just about a thousand other picturesque spots. At the same time, it comes with its own set of responsibilities to a great degree by safety on the road.
One of the most crucial laws is Georgia’s Move Over Law. I remember the first time I encountered this law. I was driving on I-75, heading back from a weekend trip to the mountains, when I saw flashing lights on the shoulder. Instinctively, I slowed down, but I didn’t realize I was supposed to actually move over. Little did I know at the time, I was breaking a law!
In this article, I dive deep into the Georgia Move Over Law: what it is, why it matters, and seven essential rules you need to know. Trust me, it’s not just about avoiding fines-although those fines can sting-but it’s also about keeping everyone on the road safe from first responders and tow-truck operators to stranded motorists.
Table of Contents
What is the Move Over Law?: An In-depth Understanding
Okay, so-so. Let’s get back to the very basics. What is the Move Over over, or Move Over Law? The Georgia Move Over Law was enacted to protect stopped emergency personnel and workers. Whether a police officer issuing a ticket, a firefighter responding to an accident, or even a tow truck driver assisting a stranded motorist, these individuals are incredibly vulnerable as they go about their work.
The law actually requires motorists, when possible, to change lanes away from a stopped emergency, accident recovery, or maintenance vehicle with its flashing lights on. And when it is not possible to safely move over, you should slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary.
Speaking of which, personally, I didn’t realize how much this law matters until I became the other side of that equation. Living in Arizona myself, my car once broke down on a busy highway, and after waiting for a tow truck, the cars flying by at high approaching velocity started to feel quite real destructive. Since then, I have become more appreciative of the Move Over Law with all the protection it offers.
OCGA 40 6 6: Uncovering the Mysteries Behind Georgia’s Move Over Law
You might have heard of the law referred to by its official code: OCGA 40-6-6. This is the specific section of Georgia’s legal code that outlines the Move Over Law. It’s more than just common sense—it’s the law, and it comes with penalties if you choose to ignore it.
Georgia’s Move-Over Law Compels Drivers to:
The vehicles this law applies to include police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks, and highway maintenance vehicles. The concept is quite simple: when someone works on the side of a road, that person is exposed to oncoming traffic, and just a few feet can make all the difference between life and death.
OCGA 40-6-6 has been in place to keep drivers accountable by providing some cushion between their vehicle and the workers who are stationed on the side of the road. It is not a law of convenience; it is one of safety. Disregarding this statute can come with serious consequences, both for all those on the roadside and for you as well.
Move Over Traffic Law: Major Regulations Every Driver Should Know
The key regulations around the Move Over Law are pretty straightforward, but let me break them down so that you’re crystal clear on what’s expected:
What is the Move Over Law? Key Things to Know if You’re Driving in Georgia
Now that you understand what to do, let’s talk about just why this is such an important piece of legislation. The Move Over Law isn’t about dodging some sort of Georgia Move Over Law fine; this is about saving lives. Each year, roadside workers are injured or killed for one reason: drivers fail to give them the space to perform their task.
Just imagine the frustration, for example, of having to change a tire right on the side of a busy road. Cars are zooming by at 70 miles per hour, and you only have a few feet of space to work with. I’ve been in that situation, and let me tell you, there’s nothing more nerve-wracking than feeling the rush of air as a truck speeds past you.
The Move Over Law Georgia is designed to ensure that individuals in such a situation-whether changing a tire or responding for an emergency-don’t have to risk their lives.
Why so many drivers are ignoring the law
Honestly, I feel a lot of it is just awareness. Prior to knowing the law myself, when flashing lights were showing, I would simply just slow down, thinking that was good enough. However, now I have learned that moving over can, when possible, make for the best assurance in keeping everyone safe.
Some drivers might also assume that the law only applies to police cars or ambulances, but that’s simply not the case. Georgia’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over for any vehicle displaying flashing lights, including tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles.
Overview of 40-6-6 OCGA: Georgia’s Move Over Law
Let’s briefly look at the verbiage of OCGA 40-6-6, which essentially reads that:
“The driver of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle or a stationary towing or recovery vehicle or a stationary highway maintenance vehicle that is displaying flashing lights shall approach the vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a peace officer, proceed with due caution and, if possible, with due regard to the road, weather, and traffic conditions, change lanes into a lane not adjacent to the stationary vehicle.”
(GA Highway Safety)
That means, in English: Georgia’s Move-Over Law requires drivers who see a vehicle displaying flashing lights to make a lane change if possible, or else reduce their speed substantially.
What Actually Happens When You Break the Law? GA Move Over Law Fine Explained
If you are caught breaking the Move Over Law in Georgia, the fine could be higher than you might be prepared for. Fines for the Georgia Move Over Law range from $250 to $500, depending on the situation. But that is not all: a ticket for this infraction may also bring points on one’s license and higher insurance rates.
I had this friend who got his Move Over Law GA fine slapped. He was in a hurry, was supposed to move over at the sight of a tow truck, and received a $300 ticket for that. Well, it wasn’t the worst part: not only was he supposed to pay off the cash, but the insurance rates grew rather high. A hard lesson to learn, yet now he is much safer on the road.
FAQs
1. What is Georgia’s Move Over Law?
Georgia’s Move Over Law, codified under OCGA 40-6-6, requires drivers to move over one lane when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, or highway maintenance vehicle displaying flashing lights. If moving over is unsafe or not possible, drivers must slow down significantly and be prepared to stop.
2. Which vehicles does Georgia’s Move Over Law cover?
These include all stationary authorized emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, and tow trucks; highway maintenance vehicles, such as those used by the Department of Transportation; and utility service vehicles that are displaying flashing lights.
3. What are the fines associated with the violation of the Move Over Law in Georgia?
If you violate Georgia’s Move Over Law, you could face fines of $250 to $500. There is also the possibility of violation points on your driving record that could increase your insurance rates.
4. Why is Georgia’s Move Over Law so important?
The law plays a vital role in guaranteeing safety for emergency responders, maintenance workers, and stranded motorists. While working on the side of the road, these workers are easily exposed to danger, and the law minimizes accidents and injuries by giving them extra space and reducing the speed of passing vehicles.
Conclusion: Obey the Move Over Law for All’s Safety
After all, the Move Over Law is more than just fines-although that can be a great incentive in and of itself. It’s about keeping everyone safe-from first responders to fellow drivers who find themselves stranded on the side of the road.
Next time you are driving and those flashing lights come up behind you, just remember: Move over if you can, slow down if you can’t. It’s the least we can do to make a world of difference. Let me tell you, once you’ve spent a little time on your side of the road, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for those out there in the elements working to keep us all safe. Be safe out on the roads, and don’t forget to move over!
