The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), state officials, and first responders recognize January as Move Over, Florida Month to increase awareness of the need to move over or slow down when approaching an emergency or disabled vehicle on the side of the road. By moving over one lane, you give law enforcement, emergency first responders, and other service vehicles the space they need to work safely and reduce the risk of a secondary incident.

Last year, Florida expanded its Move Over Law to include disabled vehicles. Prior to the expansion, the law only required motorists to move over or slow down for law enforcement, emergency responders, sanitation vehicles, and utility vehicles with displayed warning lights.

Through November, there were 170 crashes statewide in 2024 caused by motorists failing to obey the Move Over Law. These crashes resulted in one death and 10 serious injuries. Such crashes and loss of life could have been avoided had the drivers involved followed Florida’s Move Over Law. According to the FLHSMV, more than 15,000 motorists were cited for violating Florida’s Move Over Law from the beginning of January through the end of November.

The law requires motorists to slow down to 20 mph under the posted speed limit if they cannot safely move over due to heavy traffic or if they are traveling on a two-lane road. When the speed limit is 20 mph or lower, motorists must slow down to 5 mph when passing an emergency or disabled vehicle.

Failing to move over or slow down jeopardizes drivers and their passengers, first responders, and roadside workers. Violations will result in a fine, fees, and points on a motorist’s driving record. To learn more about Florida’s Move Over Law, visit flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/move-over.