Minnesota Move Over Laws
Failure to move over for stopped emergency vehicles in Minnesota carries a $100 fine.
Written by Brittni Brinn
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Under Minnesota state law, failure to move over or slow down for a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights results in a fine of up to $100.
Every state except the District of Columbia has a version of the move over law. Minnesota’s move over law was passed in 2001 in memory of fallen police officer
Ted Foss
.It’s important to know the move over laws in your state.
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What are the move over laws in Minnesota?
Minnesota’s move over law requires all vehicles moving in the same direction as a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights to slow down and change lanes if safe to do so. Minnesota Statute 169.18s11 states that:
- On roadways with two or more lanes in the same direction, the driver must move over to the lane furthest away from the stopped emergency vehicle
- If it is not possible to move over, the driver must reduce their speed
Failure to move over or slow down may get you a citation. If you see a stopped emergency vehicle ahead of you, remember that flashing lights mean move over.
What is considered an emergency vehicle in Minnesota?
The following are considered authorized emergency vehicles in Minnesota:
- Ambulances
- Fire trucks
- Law enforcement vehicles
- Tow trucks
- Construction and utility vehicles
- Road maintenance vehicles
- Recycling and solid waste vehicles
Key Takeaway Emergency or authorized vehicles include maintenance trucks and waste vehicles. If you see flashing lights on a stopped vehicle, move over.
Penalties for violating Minnesota’s move over laws
Breaking the move over law in Minnesota is a payable offense. If you receive a citation for failing to follow the move over law, you will have to pay a fine of up to $100.
A peace officer can issue a citation up to four hours after a driver breaks the move over law. The driver can be reported by the crew of the emergency vehicle and issued a citation, even if the peace officer didn’t personally witness the incident.
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Can violating move over laws raise your insurance?
Every citation or ticket you receive is noted by your insurance provider. Breaking the move over law may not cause your insurance rates to rise significantly, but a few minor traffic violations can hike your insurance premiums.
Be sure to follow the move over law and other rules of the road so you don’t collect too many tickets. The resulting fines and increased insurance rates are worth steering clear of. Drive carefully to avoid putting a strain on your wallet.
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Why are there move over laws?
By requiring drivers to change lanes and slow down, move over laws create buffer zones between traffic and emergency personnel. This allows emergency vehicles and responders to work without having to worry about cars driving too closely or hitting someone.
Every state now has a move over law. However, emergency responders are still at risk. In 2019, nearly 2,000 motorists in Minnesota were cited after failing to follow the move over law.
Key Takeaway The goal of move over laws is to keep emergency responders safe.
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FAQs
Do I need to move over if I’m in the opposite lane from a stopped emergency vehicle?
The move over law only applies to cars moving in the same direction as the stopped emergency vehicle. Still, be extra aware as you move through an area across from a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights.
What if I can’t move over when in the same lane as a stopped emergency vehicle?
In roadways with only one or two lanes, it may not be possible to move over. Proceed slowly and pay attention to authorized emergency personnel who are directing traffic. Be patient and watch out for responders moving next to, in front of, or behind the emergency vehicle.
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