Reminder: Move Over Law in Effect

The Anne Arundel County Police Department is reminding citizens in a press release that the “Move Over” law went into effect in Maryland on Oct. 1, 2010.

According to the release, the “Move Over” laws have been passed in most states and are designed to protect law enforcement officials and other first responders along our national roadways.

The law requires motorists to “move over” and change lanes, when possible, to provide a safe distance to first responders. Traffic stops are a dangerous but daily function performed by law enforcement officers.

In an effort to educate the public about the new law, the Anne Arundel County Police Department and the Maryland State Police are conducting a “Move Over” campaign.

Over the next several months, officers and troopers will be implementing special enforcement details specifically aimed at educating motorists, many of whom may not be aware of the new law.

These efforts will be concentrated on multi-lane thoroughfares, including I-97, Maryland Route 10 and Ritchie Highway. Along with some enforcement measures, officers and troopers will be distributing educational brochures and posting signs at local businesses.

For more information, contact Sgt. Ryan Frashure or Corp. Nick DiPietro of the Northern District at 410-222-6135.

“Every year, law enforcement officers are killed or injured by passing vehicles on roadways,” said Chief of Police Col. James Teare, Sr.

“The Anne Arundel County Police Department makes officer safety a top priority and we want citizens to be aware of the importance of keeping a safe distance and speed when approaching emergency vehicles that are stopped on the highway.”

The Maryland law specifically states the following:

"Unless otherwise directed by a police officer or a traffic control device, when an emergency vehicle using any visual signal that meets the requirements of article § 22–218 is stopped, standing or parked on a highway, the driver of a motor vehicle approaching the emergency vehicle from the rear shall:

(1) If practicable and not otherwise prohibited, make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle with due regard for safety and traffic conditions; or

(2) If the driver of the motor vehicle is unable to make a lane change in accordance with item (1) of this subsection, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions."