Move Over Law

In late 2005, a new law went into effect referred to as the "Move Over" law (ARS §28-775 E-1-2). The law was drafted as a result of the increase in the number of injuries and fatalities to those working to protect the public - police officers and emergency personnel.

The "Move Over" law gets its name from the idea of having drivers safely merge to an adjacent lane on highways with two or more lanes proceeding in the same direction when police or emergency personnel are stopped near or on the road. The law recognizes that sometimes it is not possible or the second lane just does not exist to move over. Those situations call for reduced speeds and proceeding with extreme caution.

Having the safety margin protects police officers and emergency personnel and reduces your risk of causing a deadly collision. Please take the time to read this page and learn to drive safer and ensure compliance with the "Move Over" law.

Arizona Revised Statute §28-775 E-1-2

If a person who drives a vehicle approaches a stationary vehicle and the stationary vehicle is giving a signal by displaying alternately flashing lights or is displaying warning lights, the person shall do either of the following:

1. If on a highway having at least four lanes with at least two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle, proceed with due caution and if possible, with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the stationary vehicle.
2. If changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe, proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions.