VIRGINIA BEACH — The new expansion to Virginia’s Move Over law will take effect on Saturday, July 1.
As of July 1, drivers will need to slow down and move over, when possible, for stationary vehicles on the roadside that are displaying hazard lights, warning signs or flares.
The change was signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin in March with bipartisan support from both chambers, extending the legal protection that first responders and other roadside workers currently have to include disabled vehicles.
“This is a natural extension to the current move over law,” said Holly Dalby, AAA Tidewater director of public affairs. “Now everyone, along with our first responders, road maintenance teams and tow providers are protected.”
Under the new law, a driver on a four-lane road must proceed with caution and, if reasonable, change lanes as they pass a stationary vehicle displaying the proper warning signs. If changing lanes would be unreasonable or unsafe, a driver should proceed with caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions.
“For the most part, there are a lot more people moving over than there used to be,” said Art Gray, AAA tow driver. “Before they used to ride the line and now, I am noticing more people notice my lights ahead of time and scoot over.”
“I’ve had a close call where I have literally had to jump out of the way,” he added. “I watched the vehicle swerve as it passed me and he had his phone in his hand.”
Drivers who fail to comply with the new law can be charged with a traffic infraction, which carries a fine of up to $250.
