If you’ve ever driven past a car broken down on the side of the highway, you probably slowed down—or maybe you didn’t.
The Miami Car Accident Lawyer, Jonathan Perazzo, shares the latest changes in Florida’s Move Over Law.
But as of 2024, Florida’s Move Over law has changed, and it affects every driver on the road.
And yes—this means you.
If you are on the roadside, you had to give them space.
But as of 2024, that protection now extends to everyone.
That includes:
- Broken-down vehicles using hazard lights
- Cars with emergency flares or reflective triangles
- Any vehicle with people visibly standing outside near the road
In short? If it looks like someone’s in trouble on the shoulder, you must move over or slow down—no exceptions.
What You’re Legally Required to Do
How to Stay Compliant with Florida’s Move Over Law — and Avoid a Costly Mistake
Staying on the right side of the law isn’t just about following rules—it’s about protecting lives. The updated Move Over Law in Florida is simple in principle but critical in practice. Here’s how to comply, avoid tickets, and help keep the roads safe for everyone:
If the road has multiple lanes going your direction:
You must move over one full lane away from the stopped vehicle as soon as it’s safe to do so. This buffer gives roadside workers and stranded drivers the space they need to avoid being sideswiped or struck by fast-moving traffic. Think of it as a moving safety bubble—one lane’s distance can make all the difference.
If you can’t safely change lanes:
Then you’re required to slow down—significantly.
- On roads where the speed limit is 25 mph or higher, reduce your speed by at least 20 mph.
- If the posted speed is 20 mph or less, slow to a crawl—5 mph max.
Don’t underestimate this rule. Whether you’re driving through the high-speed lanes of I-95, cruising on I-75, or navigating a quiet neighborhood street in Miami, the law applies everywhere in Florida. No exceptions, no excuses.
Failing to act can cost more than just a fine—it could cost a life. Be alert, move over, and if you can’t, slow down like someone’s life depends on it—because it very well might.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failing to follow the Move Over Law isn’t just a slap on the wrist:
- Base fine: $60
- With court fees: Up to $158
- Points on your license
- Higher insurance premiums—especially after a roadside accident
At The Perazzo Law Firm, our car accident lawyers in Miami see too often what happens when drivers fail to give space: crashes, life-altering injuries, even fatalities.
Why This Law Matters
Let the numbers speak:
Here’s the bar chart showing the breakdown of roadside incidents related to the Move Over Law:
- 191 crashes in Florida (2021)
- Over 14,000 citations issued statewide
- 350+ deaths per year in the U.S. near disabled vehicles
Tow truck drivers. Roadside workers. Parents changing a flat. These are real people—not statistics—whose lives depend on your attention behind the wheel. As AAA’s Mark Jenkins puts it: “The roadside is dangerous—whether you’re a firefighter or a father changing a tire.”
Final Thoughts from a Trusted Miami Car Accident Lawyer
At The Perazzo Law Firm, we represent those who didn’t get the space they deserved. From catastrophic injuries to wrongful death, we’ve seen the aftermath—and we fight for justice every time. But prevention is always better than litigation. So next time you see hazard lights flashing up ahead, ask yourself: Can I move over safely? If not, am I slowing down enough?
The new Move Over Law isn’t just about traffic codes—it’s about protecting lives.
- Do your part.
- Drive smart.
- And if the worst happens, call The Perazzo Law Firm—Miami’s trusted car accident lawyers—available 24/7 at 888-PERAZZO.
