SDDOT Reminds Drivers to Move Over

PIERRE, SD – The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) reminds drivers to move over or slow down when they see maintenance vehicles with flashing amber lights along the highway. 

Joe O’Dell, SDDOT’s safety coordinator encourages drivers to follow the Move Over law. “We often have workers out along the highway performing normal maintenance tasks and emergency road repairs. Performing these tasks can be very dangerous for the workers because there’s not much to protect them when cars come speeding by.”

The Move Over law requires drivers approaching another vehicle with flashing yellow or amber lights to either move over to the farthest lane on the interstate or divided highway, or slow down to 20 mph less than the posted speed limit on two-lane highways. The law also says drivers should come to a complete stop before approaching an emergency vehicle with red flashing lights and only continue if the way is clear.

“Most people know to stop or slow down when they come across a law enforcement vehicle with its warning lights on, but they don’t always think about doing it when they see a vehicle with flashing amber lights,” says O’Dell.  

Since it went into effect on July 1, 2003, nearly 300 drivers have been cited for violating the Move Over law. A violation of the law is a Class 2 misdemeanor, which is punishable by a $200 fine and/or 60 days in jail.

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