Michigan Move Over Law: What You Need To Know
The Michigan Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down by 10 mph and move to a different traffic lane when approaching and passing police, fire, road service and emergency response vehicles – including ambulances – as well as solid waste collection, utility service and road maintenance vehicles when any of these vehicles are stationary and their lights are flashing.
What is Michigan’s Move Over Law?
According to Michigan law (MCL 257.653a), drivers approaching a stationary emergency or service vehicle with flashing lights must exhibit caution by moving over one lane. If changing lanes is unsafe, drivers must reduce their speed to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit MCL 257.653b(1).
What vehicles trigger the law?
The law applies to “authorized emergency vehicles” which includes police vehicles, firefighting vehicles, ambulances, road service vehicles, and emergency response vehicles. (MCL 257.2(1)(a) and (c); 257.653a)
A “road service vehicle” is “a vehicle that is clearly marked and readily recognizable as a vehicle used to assist disabled vehicles.” (MCL 257.2(1)(c))
The law also applies to solid waste collection, utility service, and road maintenance vehicles. (MCL 257.653b(1))
When does the law apply?
The Move Over Law applies when any of the specified emergency or service vehicles are: (1) stationary, and (2) “giving a visual signal by means of flashing, rotating, or oscillating” lights. (MCL 257.653a(1); 257.653b(1))
How much do drivers need to slow down?
Drivers must reduce their speed “by at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.” (MCL 257.653a(1); 257.653b(1))
How much room must drivers give to emergency or service vehicles?
Where possible, drivers must “yield the right-of-way by moving into a lane at least 1 moving lane or 2 vehicle widths apart from the stationary” emergency or service vehicle. (MCL 257.653(1)(a); 257.653b(1)(a))
Penalties for violating the Michigan Move Over Law
In Michigan, violations of the Move Over Law (MCL 257.653a) are civil infractions that carry a maximum $400 fine and two points on a driver’s license, though causing injury or death results in felony charges with severe penalties. The penalties escalate to up to $1,000 for injuries and $7,500 for fatalities, including significant prison time for either scenario.
| Violation Type | Maximum Fine | License Points | Criminal Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Emergency Infraction | $400 | 2 Points | Civil Infraction (Police, Fire, EMS, Towing) |
| Maintenance/Utility Infraction | $100 | 0 Points | Misdemeanor (Up to 90 days jail) |
| Causing Injury to First Responder | $1,000 | 6 Points | Felony (Up to 2 years prison) |
| Causing Death to First Responder | $7,500 | 6 Points | Felony (Up to 15 years prison) |
Statutory Fine Explanations for Law Enforcement vs. Utility Vehicles
- Emergency Services Violations: Violations involving police, fire, road service, and emergency medical response vehicles constitute a civil infraction requiring a $400 fine and 2 points under MCL 257.653a(2). If the violation causes injury or death to emergency personnel, charges elevate to a felony carrying 6 points along with imprisonment durations up to 2 or 15 years respectively.
- Solid Waste and Maintenance Violations: Under MCL 257.653b, failing to clear lanes or decrease speed for stationary solid waste vehicles, utility equipment, or road infrastructure crews is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $100 and a jail term reaching up to 90 days.
Injured in a car accident in Michigan where the driver didn’t obey the Move Over Law? Call the attorneys at Michigan Auto Law for a free consultation!
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a driver who violated the Michigan Move Over Law and you had questions about your legal rights to pain and suffering compensation, No-Fault benefits and money damages, call now (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.
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Written By
Steve M. Gursten,
Attorney,
License#: P53632
Steven Gursten, attorney at Michigan Auto Law and one of the most successful auto accident attorneys in Michigan. Michigan Auto Law represents people seriously injured in car, truck, motorcycle, and bus accidents, including catastrophic injury, traumatic brain injury, and No-Fault insurance cases. Steven has recovered the largest reported auto and truck accident settlement of any Michigan lawyer, and has been named Michigan Lawyer of the Year and a Top 50 Michigan Super Lawyer.
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