Emergency responders face risks every day—getting hit by a passing vehicle shouldn’t be one of them. The move over law protects responders by giving them room to work safely. Missouri’s move over law has been active since 2002 and was recently expanded to include MDoT vehicles.

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What are the move over laws in Missouri?

Missouri’s move over law requires drivers traveling in the same direction as a stationary emergency vehicle with its lights flashing to safely change lanes or slow down. Under Section 14-164 of the Code of Missouri, drivers approaching an emergency vehicle must either:

Vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle if possible, or

Slow down to a speed that is safe for the road conditions

What is considered an emergency vehicle in Missouri?

The Missouri move over law applies to any authorized emergency vehicles with red, blue, amber, or white flashing lights. Emergency vehicles include:

Ambulances

Fire trucks

Law enforcement vehicles

Tow trucks

Utility crews

MDoT vehicles

MORE:

Missouri car accident laws

Key Takeaway The move over law also applies to utility vehicles as well as emergency responders. If you see flashing lights, move over or slow down.

Penalties for violating Missouri’s move over law

Breaking Missouri’s move over law is a class A misdemeanor. Depending on the severity of the charge and your previous driving record, you could be looking at the following penalties:

Up to $2,000 in fines

Possible jail time

If failure to move over results in injury or death, you can be charged with assault or even receive a felony charge. Always proceed cautiously when driving around stopped emergency vehicles.

MORE:

Missouri auto insurance laws and minimum requirements

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Can violating move over laws raise your insurance?

If you’re ticketed for breaking the move over law, your insurance rates may increase.

If your

car insurance rates

are on the rise due to a traffic violation, there are things you can do to manage your rates. Follow the rules of the road to avoid further traffic violations. You can also

take a defensive driving course

to keep points off of your driving record.

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Why are there move over laws?

The purpose of move over laws is to protect emergency responders. By requiring drivers to change lanes, the move over law creates a buffer zone between emergency personnel and traffic, allowing them space to work safely.

Since the early 2000s, states have instituted move over laws to ensure that emergency personnel can focus on their work instead of worrying about being hit by a passing vehicle. The move over laws have been effective at reducing the number of injuries and deaths of emergency responders.

However, responders are still at risk. Between 2015 and 2019, 42 responders in Missouri were killed while outside of stopped emergency vehicles. In 2021, 14 tow providers were struck and killed while providing roadside assistance.

Missouri’s move over law ensures that everyone can share the road safely.

MORE:

14 safe driving tips

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FAQs

Can I go to prison for violating the move over laws in Missouri?

If you break the move over law in Missouri, you’ll probably have to pay a fine. Depending on the severity of the charge, you may have to serve jail time if someone was hurt or killed because you didn’t move over.

Do I have to move over if I’m approaching an emergency vehicle in the opposite lane?

The move over law only applies to vehicles traveling in the same direction as the stopped emergency vehicle. Even though you are not required to move over or slow down, keep an eye out for people crossing the road or other approaching emergency vehicles. Always drive with caution when passing an emergency vehicle.

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