When you see flashing lights on the side of the road—whether from a police car, tow truck, or utility vehicle—it’s more than just a signal to be cautious; it’s a reminder of your legal responsibility as a driver in Tennessee. The state’s Move Over Law was created to protect emergency responders and roadside workers by requiring drivers to shift lanes or slow down when passing vehicles stopped on the shoulder. Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware of the law or underestimate its importance, putting lives at risk and exposing themselves to significant penalties. In this blog post, we’ll break down what the Move Over Law is, why it matters, and what you need to do to stay safe—and legal—on the road. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, working with a car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, can help safeguard your legal rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
What Is the Move Over Law?
Tennessee’s Move Over Law (T.C.A. §55‑8‑132), enacted in 2006 and expanded in 2011 and again in 2023, requires drivers to create a safety buffer for stationary vehicles displaying flashing lights. This includes emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks, as well as tow trucks, utility vehicles, solid waste trucks, and any vehicle on the shoulder using hazard or flashing lights.
If you're driving on a highway with at least four lanes (two in each direction), you're required to move over into the next lane away from the stopped vehicle if it’s safe to do so. If traffic or road conditions prevent you from safely changing lanes, you must significantly reduce your speed and continue past the stopped vehicle with heightened awareness and caution.
The purpose of the Move Over Law is to protect roadside workers and emergency responders who are often placed in dangerous situations due to their proximity to fast-moving traffic. But it also serves to protect drivers and passengers from accidents caused by sudden stops or erratic lane changes.
If you or a loved one has been injured because another driver failed to comply with this law, speaking with a car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, can help you understand your legal options.
Why Is the Move Over Law Important?
Each year, a troubling number of police officers, EMTs, and roadside workers suffer serious injuries or lose their lives because motorists don’t provide adequate space when passing emergency or service vehicles. These individuals perform their duties in high-risk environments, often just inches away from fast-moving vehicles.
The Move Over Law aims to minimize the chance of these kinds of tragedies by providing a safety buffer zone. When drivers slow down or move over, it reduces the likelihood of collisions with stationary vehicles or people working alongside the road.
But the benefits of this law extend beyond protecting emergency responders. For everyday drivers, it reduces the risk of secondary accidents caused by panic stops or swerving to avoid vehicles stopped on the shoulder. Complying with the Move Over Law helps everyone stay safer.
If you’ve been involved in an accident due to another driver’s reckless behavior or failure to follow traffic safety laws, a qualified car accident lawyer in Knoxville TN can help you seek financial recovery for your injuries, vehicle repairs, and other related losses.
Legal Penalties for Violating the Move Over Law
Disregarding Tennessee’s Move Over Law can lead to significant legal repercussions and potential criminal charges. Here’s what violators can expect:
- 1st Offense: Class B misdemeanor — Fine between $250 and $500 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
- 2nd Offense: Fine up to $1,000.
- 3rd or Subsequent Offense: Class A misdemeanor — Fine up to $2,500.
In more serious situations—such as when a failure to move over leads to injury or loss of life—the driver responsible may be charged with a felony offense, including crimes charges such as reckless endangerment, negligent vehicular manslaughter, or even criminally negligent death.
These serious penalties highlight the importance of understanding and following the Move Over Law. And if you’ve been a victim in an accident caused by someone violating this law, don’t navigate the legal system alone. Consult a knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, for trusted advice and support.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer in Knoxville, TN
Being injured in a roadside accident is overwhelming, especially when it happens because another driver ignored basic safety laws. A car accident lawyer in Knoxville TN can help by:
- Investigating the details of the crash
- Collecting evidence such as law enforcement reports, eyewitness accounts, and surveillance or traffic camera recordings
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Protecting your right to receive full compensation for medical costs, income loss, emotional distress, and any additional damages.
- Advocating to secure the full compensation you're entitled to for healthcare expenses, lost earnings, emotional anguish, and other related losses.
Whether your accident involved a roadside worker, emergency vehicle, or a stopped car, legal help can make all the difference in your recovery.
Why Choose Butler, Vines & Babb?
With decades of dedicated service, Butler, Vines & Babb has been a steadfast advocate for injury victims throughout East Tennessee. Our dedicated team of attorneys understands the nuances of traffic laws like the Move Over Law and how violations can lead to life-altering injuries. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, a skilled car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN from our team is ready to stand by your side.
We offer personalized legal support, aggressive representation, and a commitment to helping you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us take care of the legal hurdles so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
Tennessee’s Move Over Law goes beyond a simple traffic regulation—it’s an essential protection aimed at preserving lives. Whether you're a daily commuter or a weekend traveler, it's essential to understand and follow this law. By slowing down or moving over for stopped vehicles with flashing lights, you're not only following the law—you’re doing your part to keep Tennessee’s roads safe for everyone.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a roadside accident, don't hesitate to contact a trusted car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN. The team at Butler, Vines & Babb is here to help you through every step of the legal process with experience, compassion, and a strong commitment to justice.
--
Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.
Please reference BV&B's content disclaimer (located in this channel's profile description) in regard to this shared content.