In an effort to make roadways safer for everyone, the Alabama Department of Public Safety is partnering with Florida and Georgia in February to promote what is known as the “Move Over” law. This law requires motorists to move over one lane when authorized emergency responder vehicles — including police, fire and EMS vehicles and tow trucks — are stopped or parked along roadsides with emergency signals activated.

“The ‘Move Over’ law provides all first responders and emergency workers the clearance they need to work safely,” said Colonel Hugh B. McCall, director of the Department of Public Safety.

McCall said the Department of Public Safety is teaming up with the Florida Highway Patrol and Georgia State Patrol to draw attention to this law. During the month long effort, Alabama state troopers and law enforcement officers in Florida and Georgia will work together to educate motorists.

When moving over is unsafe or not possible, such as on two-lane roadways, the law requires motorists to slow to at least 15 mph below the posted speed limit.

In areas where the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less, motorists must slow to 10 mph. Citations for violation of the  law carry a fine of up to $25 for first offense, with increasing fines for second and subsequent offenses. Alabama first enacted “Move Over” regulations in 2006 as part of Act 2006-546, and the majority of states have adopted versions of the law. Additional information and a public service announcement about the law are available on DPS’s website, http://dps.alabama.gov.