MISSISSIPPI ‘MOVE-OVER’ LAW WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED

Sgt. Horace Kitchens with the Mississippi F Troop recently warned residents that the new move over law became effective July 1. Kitchens said he recently wrote numerous tickets in the Pontotoc area to people who disobeyed the law.

“The new law states that motorists traveling on interstate highways in the direction of emergency vehicles are required to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle if at all possible,” Kitchens said.

Kitchens also stressed that motorists should yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway. “If traffic is too congested to move over safely, motorists are required to slow down below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop.”

Residents vehicles should also remain clear of any intersection and stop and remain in position until the emergency vehicles have passed, except when directed by law enforcement. “If you are traveling and are approaching an emergency vehicle on the shoulder of the roadway with its lights flashing, motorists should slow down and proceed with caution,” Kitchens said. “This law will save lives if people will obey it and move over when an emergency vehicle comes down the highway.”

The “Move-Over Law” was designed to protect law enforcement and other emergency workers on state highways because of the rising number of deaths and injuries to police, emergency technicians, DOT workers and other emergency personnel around the nation. At this time, there are 38 states with the “Move-Over Law” on the books.

Failure to obey the “Move-Over Law” is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $250. If the violation results in property damage to the emergency vehicle, highway maintenance or recovery vehicle or bodily injury to the driver or passenger, the fine can be up to $1,000.