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The Move Over law in the state of Washington has caused some surprises and large fines for many people after it went into effect. Below, you’ll learn more about what the law is, why it’s important, and what you should do if you have received a ticket for this offense.

Washington’s Move Over Laws

Workers who are in work zones on the road, medical personnel who are in emergency zones, are often put in dangerous situations because of drivers. Drivers don’t slow down and drive carefully when they are near these locations, which can cause serious accidents and injuries, particularly to the workers who are on the road. The Move Over law was enacted in an effort to curb these dangers.

The law requires that drivers slow down when they approach these zones. They are also supposed to move over into another lane if there is one available. When going through these zones, they are now required to reduce their speed to 10 mph under the speed limit in the area. For example, if you are in a 30 mph zone, you need to slow down to 20 mph or less.

Make sure you understand what it is you should be looking for when you are on the road.

What Vehicles Are Included in the Law?

It’s important that you know which vehicles you need to watch for when you are on the road, so you don’t speed through one of these zones. Drivers should always watch the road for any signs of activity that could put others or themselves in danger. All drivers should be defensive drivers.

Vehicles included in the law:

·         Emergency vehicles using visible or audible signs, such as an ambulance

·         Tow trucks that are making use of their red lights

·         Police vehicles displaying flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency lights

·         Any other vehicles that are providing roadside assistance using warning lights

·         Stationary or slow-moving highway construction or maintenance vehicles

·         Solid waste vehicles

·         Utility service vehicles using flashing or warning lights

Always pay attention to the road and look for these locations, so you can slow down properly, and change lanes if it is possible. Just how many people are not abiding by this law? It’s probably more than you think.

Washington Move Over Law Statistics

How many people would you guess have been ticketed for Move Over violations? In 2018 alone, the Washington State Patrol issued 4,764 of these violations to drivers.

The reason for the aggressive response toward drivers who are breaking this law is simple. Since 2016, 104 patrol cars have been hit on the side of the road, and 27 people have suffered injuries. This is why they have instituted a large fine for violators.

Penalty for Not Moving Over in Washington

Currently, the cost for violating the law is $214. It’s important to realize that this amount can’t be reduced or waived. The fine is large and unwavering because of the sheer danger that is presented to those who are working on the roads in the state.

Why Is the Move Over Law So Important?

Were you aware that traffic crashes claim the lives of more police officers and personnel than any other cause of death in the line of duty? This includes shootings. However, it’s not just the police officers who are in danger when they are out on the roads.

Other emergency vehicles, including those mentioned above, are in danger, as well. Being out on the road around so many other vehicles, especially those that are going too fast, is a major risk.

There are reports of accidents happening quite often with these types of vehicles and workers. This is true even when they have their emergency and warning lights flashing. It’s as if drivers don’t see or pay attention to what’s happening on the road.

Many drivers are distracted or in “the zone” when they are driving, and they aren’t watching the road as carefully as they should. You’ve probably seen it yourself. You are driving through a construction zone and another vehicle blasts past you, coming dangerously close to vehicles and workers.

The creation of this law is meant to help reduce the amount of danger these workers face each day. As mentioned, it’s not possible to have the fine waived or reduced. However, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t a way to eliminate the fine in certain cases.

Defenses for Not Moving Over

If you are accused of violating this law, it can seem as though you have no recourse, but this is not always the case. There are certain defenses that can work for you, but only in specific circumstances. Let’s look at a couple of these.

First, it might not be safe to slow down or move over. If there is danger in the road in front of you, behind you, etc., there is a chance that it would have been more dangerous for you to slow down than to continue at speed or to go faster. In those cases, you may have a good defense that could work for you.

Second, if the vehicle did not have emergency lights on, then you may not have seen them or noticed that they were working. They are supposed to turn on their lights, so drivers have a warning and know what to do. If the emergency lights weren’t on, then you may be able to have a workable defense.

Of course, if you hope to present a reasonable defense, you will want to make sure you are working with a qualified attorney, who can provide you with the help and guidance you need. Check out appwinit.com and hire an attorney to fight your case. Having a good attorney on your side is always the best option regardless of what you are facing.

If you want to fight a ticket for not moving over, we advise you to hire an experienced attorney through the WInIt app. Click here to find out more.