Virginia’s ‘Move Over’ law is expanding – here’s how

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin recently signed into law an amendment that will expand Virginia’s “Move Over” law.

The law currently requires drivers to move one lane over when passing emergency vehicles and law enforcement vehicles displaying red or blue flashing lights, and utility, tow and roadside assistance trucks displaying amber flashing lights on the roadside.

Its amended version will require drivers also to move over when passing any stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights, warning lights or flares.

The Virginia Senate and House of Delegates overwhelmingly passed the measure (SB982/HB1932) during this year’s General Assembly session.

The amendment to the law takes effect July 1. A violation of the new provision to the law is punishable as a traffic infraction.

“This is a great common sense update to the law that will encourage drivers to slow down and move over to protect all who are along our roadways,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic Public and Government Affairs Manager Morgan Dean. “Whether it’s a mechanical problem, a flat tire or a medical emergency, the danger on the roadside starts the moment that vehicle pulls onto the shoulder. We want to make sure everyone in, around, or beside that vehicle is as safe as possible and has the room they need to take care of whatever issue they’re having.”

Between 2016 and 2020, 28 people were killed in crashes in Virginia while outside of a disabled vehicle. According to a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 300 pedestrians are killed nationwide each year while leaving, working on, or returning to a stopped vehicle along the road. That number is up 25% since 2014.

Last July, 49-year-old Angela Hurley of Mechanicsville was killed on the roadside on Interstate 95 near Ashland. Police said she was inside of her disabled vehicle on the shoulder awaiting help when another driver moved onto the shoulder and struck her car, killing her.

“She did not deserve to die on the side of the road, scared – needing help,” says Latane Flanagan, Angela’s sister. “Extending courtesy, by way of moving over and slowing down, to those who are disabled along the road, will impact our state for the better. Thank you AAA, lawmakers and those families who have lost a loved one, for encouraging safer highways. Angela’s big personality moved many people, on Earth and now in Heaven.”