in the state. Drivers neglecting to switch lanes or slow down when approaching a stopped emergency or maintenance vehicle could receive a fine of up to $500.

Historically, South Carolina pioneered a move over law in 1996 to protect emergency and state workers when an on-duty paramedic was found at fault after being struck by a vehicle on the side of the road.

In the years since, and with related accidents on the rise, every other state has followed suit. Although move over laws have become more prevalent over time, their terms vary by location, so it’s crucial to know what the specifics are in your home state.

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What are the move over laws in New Jersey?

Under state law in New Jersey, drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance, or emergency service vehicle with blinking or flashing lights need to change lanes or slow down.

Without any alternative direction from a police officer, New Jersey drivers must either:

Change to a nonadjacent lane if the traffic conditions allow, or

Reduce their speed below the posted speed limit and prepare to stop completely

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What is considered an emergency vehicle in New Jersey?

The move over law in New Jersey applies to authorized vehicles displaying a variation of flashing or blinking red, blue, or amber lights, namely:

Police vehicles

Firefighters

EMS vehicle

Tow trucks

New move over law for pedestrians

As of August 2021, pedestrians are protected by a similar law in New Jersey signed by Governor Phil Murphy.

When New Jersey’s pedestrian fatality rate exceeded the national average by 9% in 2021, the state lawmakers decided it was time to enact change with this new facet of the move over law.

When a driver approaches someone on a bike, skateboard, or scooter, the law requires them to either:

Shift over by at least one lane if it’s possible to do so, or

Create a buffer of four feet between the vehicle and the pedestrian if the conditions allow

Penalties for violating New Jersey’s move over laws

Failure to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the above-mentioned emergency personnel and maintenance vehicles earns you a minimum fine of $100 and a maximum fine of $500 in New Jersey.

The move over law for pedestrians results in a fine of $100. If the collision causes bodily injury to the pedestrian, two motor vehicle points will be added to your record.

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Can violating move over laws raise your insurance?

Regardless of the fine’s dollar amount and whether or not a person, passenger, or vehicle is struck while you’re in the driver’s seat, you can almost guarantee that your insurance will become costlier in New Jersey with a move over law infringement.

Factor in any potential stains on your driving record in the form of tickets, accidents, or violations, and you’ve got yourself a much heftier premium than you bargained for.

That’s all the more reason to keep your eyes steadily on the road and keep state regulations like move over laws in mind. Maintaining safe driving practices won’t just keep everyone safe—it’ll keep your insurance payments manageable too.

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New Jersey car insurance laws

Why are there move over laws?

Accidents shouldn’t cause more accidents. When state employees are on-site helping passengers in an accident or fulfilling state-mandated repairs or construction, they shouldn’t be putting their lives on the line, which is why move over laws are essential to their protection.

The same goes for the recent development in pedestrian protection in New Jersey, where cyclists and pedestrians accounted for nearly 30% of traffic fatalities just halfway through 2021.

How to find cheap insurance after a traffic conviction

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