State Patrol: move over for emergency responders

By Patrick Lynn

More than 1,400 traffic convictions resulted from violations of the Wisconsin Move Over law in 2017-18, and state troopers hope to make that number lower.

For its Law of the Month: March 2019, the Wisconsin State Patrol is focusing on the state’s Move Over law.

It’s been a challenging winter for motorists across the state, according to Capt. Adrian Logan, commander of the state patrol’s North Center Region Post, and with more winter weather likely, WSP is asking drivers to slow down when travel conditions deteriorate, stay alert and be prepared to move over for stopped emergency responders.

“When roads get slippery, drivers need to slow down, scan the road ahead carefully, and be ready to shift over a lane if possible when approaching stopped emergency vehicles,” Logan said in an email.

The state’s Move Over law—statute 346.072—requires drivers to move out of the lane closest to stopped law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks, utility or highway maintenance vehicles that have their warning lights activated. If unable to move over, motorists must slow down. Violations can result in a citation of $263.

“Tow truck operators, law enforcement and other emergency responders face significant risks when they’re stopped along roadways to assist motorists,” Logan said. “We all want to get home safely, so we’re asking drivers to be alert, move over as the law requires and provide a safety zone for roadside workers.”