Florida motorists must move out of the lane closest to an emergency vehicle on the side of the road. If they can’t move over, they must slow down to an appropriate speed as they pass.
This “move over” law also applies to over vehicles such as stranded motorists, sanitation trucks, and utility trucks.
What if I Can’t Move Over for an Emergency Vehicle Along a Florida Highway?
Florida motorists should move over one lane as they pass by emergency vehicles. But they are also required to switch lanes if they are passing other types of vehicles as mentioned in the state statute quoted below.
Florida Motor Vehicle Statute FS 316.217:
(b) 1. Shall vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle, sanitation vehicle, utility service vehicle, wrecker, road and bridge maintenance or construction vehicle, or disabled motor vehicle when driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle, sanitation vehicle, utility service vehicle, wrecker, road and bridge maintenance or construction vehicle, or disabled motor vehicle except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer. If such movement cannot be safely accomplished, the driver shall reduce speed as provided in subparagraph 2.
If there’s no room to switch lanes or if no other lane exists Subparagraph 2 of the statute explains that cars must slow down and observe new speed limits when t:
- 20 mph or less than the posted speed limit when the speed limit is 25 mph or greater
- 5 mph or less when the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less
What Should I Do If an Emergency Vehicle Is Approaching Me on a Florida Street?
At times, Fort Lauderdale motorists will have emergency vehicles coming up behind them or coming towards them.
State law mandates that all motorists yield the right of way to emergency vehicles that are sounding sirens or flashing red or blue lights. Motorists are expected to bring their vehicles to a stop as close to the curb as possible. They must not stop in intersections though.
Drivers must remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident?
Motorists must get out of the way of emergency vehicles to allow emergency crews to perform their important jobs safely. Following this statute and guidelines can save lives.
The life they save, may one day be yours after a major accident. If you are struck by a careless motorist and suffer a serious injury, a lawyer may be an important protection for your case. Your lawyer can fully investigate your accident, secure all of the evidence, and make sure you don’t get stuck with the medical bills from a collision that wasn’t your fault. A Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney can also help you earn the maximum in injury support available.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation and tell us what happened. There’s no obligation for this case review, but if you feel we can help you earn more for your case, you won’t need any money to hire Cowen Edward Trial Lawyers. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the car accident settlement check you receive.
