Washington law requires drivers to slow down to 10 mph below the speed limit and move over for emergency vehicles and tow trucks. Failure to comply will result in monetary fines up to $214.

First responders are not strangers to dangerous situations, but one risk they should go without is reckless driving. Struck patrol vehicles are to blame for countless deaths and injuries across the country, causing many states to implement move over laws.

To protect yourself and others, it’s important to know the safety regulations of your state. Here, the

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What are the move over laws in Washington?

Washington law requires drivers to move over one lane away from an emergency vehicle with flashing lights. If switching lanes is not possible, drivers must slow down to a minimum of 10 mph below the speed limit. The specifics of the law,

RCW 46.61.212

, are as follows:

Yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles, when safe, on four-lane highways

Reduce speed and yield right-of-way, when safe, on roads with less than four lanes

Proceed with caution and prepare to stop when the lane change is not possible

Proceed with caution and drop speeds when moving through work zones

What is considered an emergency vehicle in Washington?

Washington law requests that drivers proceed with caution when in the vicinity of flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency lights, roadside assistance lights, or audible signals. This applies to the following vehicles:

Patrol cars

Ambulances

Fire trucks

Tow trucks

Maintenance vehicles

Utility vehicles

Recovery vehicles

Other law enforcement vehicles

Penalties for violating Washington move over laws

Failure to adhere to Washington move over laws will result in a hefty fine—in most cases, about $214. Additional penalties will be imposed on those driving at excessive speeds or acting especially reckless when near an emergency vehicle.

On top of monetary fines, criminal charges can be brought against drivers whose violation results in death or injury. In any case, the punishment for violating Washington’s move over law will be harsh—so drive with caution.

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Can violating move over laws raise your insurance?

A low-level move-over violation cannot be waived or dismissed and will cause your insurance rates to rise. Washington does not adhere to a point system but does keep track of all violations on your driving record—which your insurance company will use to assess risk and estimate your premium.

You can expect a more drastic increase in insurance costs for move over violations resulting in severe injury or damage—especially if there are multiple violations on your record.

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Why are there move over laws?

Move over laws were created to protect the safety and wellbeing of first responders such as police, paramedics, and fire troopers.

The Washington move over law was passed in 2005 and has since been expanded to cover more roadside workers, like tow trucks and construction vehicles. Eighteen trooper vehicles were struck in 2019 alone, according to the Washington state police.

It’s rare to see the results of these accidents released to the public—still, they’re a reminder that Washington drivers need to remain vigilant and cautious.

MORE:

Washington reckless driving

How to find cheap insurance after a traffic conviction

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