NEW CHANGES TO THE SO-CALLED 'MOVE OVER' LAW

In an effort to keep emergency responders and others safe, more than half the states in the nation, including Montana, have some sort of so-called "move over" law. The Montana law was passed in 2001, and it requires drivers who encounter a stationary emergency or law enforcement vehicle with its flashing or rotating amber, blue, red, or green lights to slow down, proceed with caution and move to a lane that is not alongside the emergency vehicle if possible.

If it's unsafe or impossible to change lanes, drivers must reduce their vehicle's speed and proceed with caution. The law applies to law enforcement, fire vehicles, ambulances and tow trucks. A new amendment to our "move over" law was passed and became effective Oct. 1, 2007. This amendment gives specifics to the terms slow down and reduce speed.

Upon approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing or rotating amber, blue, red, or green lights on a public highway with a posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour or greater and when driving in the lane that is directly next to the emergency vehicle, the driver of the approaching vehicle shall reduce the vehicle's speed by at least 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.

When you and I encounter any activity on the side of our roadways, it is always prudent to reduce our speed and proceed with caution. Remember, changes in weather and road conditions are near; drive safe and buckle up!