Driver Reminder: Move Over and Slow Down for Emergency Vehicles

It was a scary situation not once -- but twice -- over the weekend for the Grandville Police Department.

They are urging drivers to "MOVE OVER and SLOW DOWN" after one of their vehicles was hit twice on I-196 on Saturday.

Here is their Facebook post with the reminder...

It's a law in Michigan

There is actually a law in Michigan requiring you to do this. It's called the Michigan Emergency Vehicle Caution Law, or the Move Over Law. The law requires
motorists to slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles with their lights activated.

When you drive up to a situation like that, you need to slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and move over into an open lane. If this is not possible due to traffic, weather, or road conditions, slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit, and pass with caution allowing the emergency vehicle as much space as possible.

What vehicles does this apply to?

You need to move over and slow down for Police,  Fire, Rescue, Ambulance, Road Service, Road Maintenance, Utility Service, and Solid Waste Hauler. Road service vehicles include things like tow trucks and courtesy vehicles operated by the Michigan
Department of Transportation.

Could I get a ticket if I don't move mover?

The simple answer is yes, but it could even get you jail time. A motorist violating the Move Over Law is responsible for a civil infraction and is subject to two points
on their driver’s license and a fine of $400. For injury to a police officer, firefighter or other emergency response personnel the motorist is guilty of a felony and the penalty is up to 2 years in prison and/or a $1,000 fine. If the violation causes death to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel, motorists face felony charges and enhanced penalties of up to 15 years in prison and/or a
$7,500 fine.

Click here to see a brochure, along with some questions and answers, on just how the law works

The best idea...if you see ANY vehicle off on the side of the road, move over and slow down. Be safe out there on the roads.