Untitled Document

Police ask motorists to 'Move Over'
Law requires those who see flashing lights
to change lanes or slow down

The Idaho State Police and local law enforcement agencies are engaged in a media campaign to educate motorists of the "Move Over Law" that went into effect on July 1, 2006. Many of the motorists are not aware of the law, which was enacted to protect emergency responders from being hit while making traffic stops. In 2008, there were 133 officers killed in the line of duty and 18 of those were from being hit by vehicles.

The "Move Over Law" requires motorists who see a police or authorized emergency vehicle parked with its lights flashing to either change lanes if possible or slow down until they are past the emergency vehicles. Violators can receive a $75 ticket.

ITD has been asked to activate the electronic messaging boards across the state displaying the message, "Move Over Law Strictly Enforced" "Slow down and Move Over for Parked Law Enforcement."

Local law enforcement officers were on hand at a Wednesday press conference in Idaho Falls where details of the campaign were outlined. They turned out with marked patrol cars to show support for the effort.