"Move Over or Get Pulled Over": North Carolina Launches Statewide Today

North Carolina --  North Carolina drivers are being put on notice: The "Move Over or Get Pulled Over" campaign kicks off today, May 12, launching a week-long, statewide enforcement initiative aimed at protecting roadside workers and emergency personnel.

Law enforcement agencies across the state, in partnership with the N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program (GHSP), are stepping up patrols and issuing citations to motorists who fail to comply with the state's critical "Move Over" law.  

 The message is clear and urgent: Slow down, move over, and give space to those who work tirelessly to keep our roads safe.

Every day, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck operators, NCDOT crews, and utility workers face immense dangers on the shoulder of our highways and interstates. These brave individuals are vulnerable to passing traffic, and a moment of inattention or carelessness from a driver can lead to tragic consequences.   

"This campaign is about saving lives," said Mark Ezzell, director of the N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program. "Our roadside heroes put themselves in harm's way for all of us. The 'Move Over' law is simple to follow and provides them with the safety buffer they desperately need. If you don't move over, you risk not only a significant fine but also the lives of others."

Understanding North Carolina's "Move Over" Law (G.S. 20-157):

When you see a vehicle with flashing lights stopped on the shoulder or side of the road, the law requires you to take specific actions:   

On Multi-Lane Highways (e.g., I-40, I-95, US-70): If it is safe to do so, you must move over one lane away from the stopped vehicle. This creates an empty lane buffer between your vehicle and the workers.
On Two-Lane Highways or When Changing Lanes is Unsafe: If you cannot safely move over a lane, you must slow down significantly below the posted speed limit and proceed with extreme caution. Be prepared to stop if necessary.   
This law applies to a wide range of vehicles displaying flashing lights, including:

Police cruisers, State Highway Patrol vehicles   
Ambulances and fire trucks   
NCDOT safety patrol and incident management vehicles   
Other NCDOT maintenance and construction vehicles
Tow trucks   
Utility service vehicles (electric, gas, telecom) with amber lights
Consequences for Non-Compliance:

Ignoring the "Move Over" law is not only dangerous but also costly. Violations can result in:   

Significant Fines: A minimum fine of $250, plus court costs.   
Increased Penalties: Fines escalate if a collision occurs.   
Serious Charges: If a failure to move over leads to a crash, injury, or death, drivers could face misdemeanor or even felony charges, along with potential jail time.   

The "Move Over or Get Pulled Over" campaign is a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility. By taking a moment to slow down and move over, you are playing a crucial role in protecting those who dedicate their lives to serving our communities on the roadside. Let's all do our part to make North Carolina's roads safer for everyone.

The "Move Over or Get Pulled Over" campaign runs from May 12 to May 19, 2025.