PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA POLICE DEPARTMENT REMINDS RESIDENTS OF NEWER LAWS

The Punta Gorda Police Department wants to remind motorists of newer statewide traffic laws. Officers are noticing that many drivers are still not abiding by the laws, including the "Move Over" law. The Move Over law went into effect July 1, 2002. It mandates that all drivers along interstates and two-or-more-lane roads move over when an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road with its lights activated. The driver should give the officer or emergency worker space by switching lanes. The driver should also slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit. Violators will receive a $115.50 fine and three points on their licenses.