Virginia Pushing "Move Over" Law

Back to HomePage
Posted: 2:05 PM Mar 20, 2008 Virginia Pushing "Move Over" Law Virginia is boosting its "Move Over" law with new signs reminding drivers that they are required by state law to slow down and move over when they see police or rescue vehicles ahead.

Font Size:

March 20, 2008

(AP) Virginia is boosting its "Move Over" law with new signs reminding drivers that they are required by state law to slow down and move over when they see police or rescue vehicles ahead.

A state trooper who was seriously injured when he was struck during a traffic stop joined fellow law enforcement officials from across the state in Bristol on Wednesday to unveil three new "Move Over" signs.

Trooper Kristopher Chapman was critically injured February 2ND after he was struck by a driver in Smyth County. The signs will be posted along Interstates 81 and 77 where traffic enters Virginia from Tennessee, North Carolina and West Virginia.

Virginia's Move Over law has been on the books for six years. Violators face a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail.

Latest Comments

Posted by: David Location: Richmond on Jul 9, 2010 at 03:26 PM

In my opinion these "move over" laws are a bad idea. I have witnessed cars nearly run off the road as trucks swerve recklessly, to comply with the new mandates. I predict substantial collateral damage when drivers try to avoid the repercussions of failing to move over. A better idea would have been to require targeted drivers to pull completely off the highway, onto the next available exit ramp or public parking area. Why should thousands of law-abiding citizens be put at risk, because of the actions of a few? Besides, the law provides that one doesn’t have to “move over” if changing lanes would be unreasonable or unsafe. Rather, one can proceed with due caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions. Wanna bet most cops don’t know this, or chose to not accept that part of the law? I keep a copy of the Law in my auto, for quick reference.

Posted by: Tammy Location: Charlottesville on Mar 22, 2008 at 10:27 PM

I think that the signs need to placed around Charlottesville area as well as the listed. Unfortuately, I had a friend get a ticket and had to go to court about this law. She did not understand nor have knowledge of this law. Instead of receiving understanding words, that Richmond judge spoke very harshly as if she did the action on definace. How are we drivers to know the update laws if there are not signs or education materials given out to warn drivers.

Click here to post or read all 2 comments.

Live News	Weather Now	Desktop Alert
Mobile	iPhone App	Text Alerts
Facebook	Twitter	YouTube