Louisiana State Police is reminding motorists that the state’s expanded Move Over Law is now in effect, extending protections to disabled, immobilized and nonoperational vehicles displaying hazard lights, flashing lights or another emergency warning device.
Under the expanded law, motorists approaching a roadside vehicle on a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction should safely move into a lane away from the vehicle.
If changing lanes is unsafe or impossible, or if a motorist is traveling on a two-lane highway, drivers should slow to a reasonably safe speed and maintain a speed appropriate for road conditions.
The law applies regardless of whether motorists encounter blue emergency lights, amber warning lights or the flashing hazard lights of a stranded motorist.
Louisiana’s Move Over Law also continues to require motorists to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles using audible or visual warning signals unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
Louisiana State Police emphasized that the law is intended to provide additional space for first responders, roadside workers and stranded motorists to remain safe.
“Different lights. Same responsibility,” Louisiana State Police stated. “Move over. Slow down. Give them room.”