FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 23, 2025

CONTACT: Brad Reiners, DPS Communications Director, 605.280.2050

Expanded ‘Move Over’ Law Takes Effect July 1 to Increase Roadside Safety

PIERRE, S.D. – A newly updated ‘Move Over’ law goes into effect across South Dakota on July 1, expanding protections for authorized vehicles occupying the shoulder of the highway with amber, yellow, or blue warning lights. The goal is simple: keep more people safe on our roadways.

The expanded law now requires drivers to take action when approaching any vehicle displaying flashing amber, yellow, or blue lights—not just law enforcement or emergency responders. This includes tow trucks, highway maintenance vehicles, utility crews, and Department of Transportation equipment using proper hazard lighting while on the shoulder.

“These are real people—moms, dads, sons, and daughters—working hard or handling emergencies at the roadside,” said South Dakota Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Casey Collins.

What Drivers Must Do:

• On Multi-Lane Highways:
  Drivers must move into the lane farthest away from the stopped vehicle, when it’s safe to do so, and pass with caution.
• On Two-Lane Roads:
  Drivers are required to slow down at least 300 feet in advance, and reduce speed:
  • to 20 mph below the posted limit, or
  • to 5 mph if the speed limit is 20 mph or less.

Consequences for Violating the Law:

• Violations are a Class 2 misdemeanor, carrying a minimum fine of $270.
• If a crash occurs because of a violation, the offense becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor, which comes with steeper penalties.

“The bottom line is this: If you see flashing lights, slow down, move over, and give extra space,” said Colonel Collins. “Whether it's a trooper conducting a stop, a worker fixing a guardrail, or a DOT vehicle on the shoulder, they all deserve to go home safely.”

You can read South Dakota’s Move Over law here: https://tinyurl.com/5n8zftxv

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is an agency of the South Dakota Dept. of Public Safety.

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