Broward County Traffic Ticket Lawyer: Advice on Florida’s “Move Over” Law

Florida’s Move Over Law requires motorists to move over when a patrol car, emergency vehicle, or tow truck/wrecker is stopped on the side of the road with lights flashing. Driver’s in Florida are required to approach emergency vehicles with caution, change lanes away from emergency vehicles if able to move over safely, or slow down while maintaining a safe speed.

In light of recent crashes involving law enforcement conducting traffic enforcement, the State of Florida enacted legislation in an effort to reduce the risk for law enforcement and emergency personnel.

Broward County and Palm Beach County law enforcement are writing a significant number of traffic tickets for alleged violations of the Florida Move Over Law. Traffic stops have spiked in South Florida because of this law. As a criminal defense lawyer in Florida for over fourteen years, I have seen the routine traffic stop turn into more serious situations like DUI investigations, arrests for illegal drugs and weapons violations. In addition a personality conflicts between a driver and an officer can escalate into a more serious situation when an officer decides there is a need for retaliation for a “bad attitude.”

Be aware of this law. Police officers are constantly looking for reasons to pull you over. You can limit your risk of being stopped by being aware of this law.

Personally, I feel attempted compliance by a driver actually increases the risk of an accident. If traffic is heavy or conditions are unsafe, I recommend at least activating a turn signal so at least your intentions can be clearly seen by law enforcement.

If you are facing a violation of Florida’s Move Over Law or any other traffic violation in South Florida, contact the lawyers at Leifert & Leifert. We will represent you in Florida traffic court and seek to have your ticket dismissed and keep points off of your record.