North Dakota Drivers: Do You Know the Move Over Law?
You are driving down the highway when you spot flashing lights ahead. Maybe it is a police officer helping a driver, a first responder at a crash, or a roadside worker trying to get a job done.
What do you do?
North Dakota has a Move Over Law designed to help protect people who are stopped along the roadway. And it is not limited to emergency vehicles. Law enforcement, first responders, roadside workers and others may all be just a few feet from moving traffic.
Knowing what to do can help keep everyone safer.
Move Over When You Can
If you approach a stopped vehicle and can safely change lanes, move over so you are not traveling in the lane immediately next to the stopped vehicle.
That extra space gives the person on the side of the road a little more room between them and passing traffic.
But sometimes moving over simply is not possible.
Traffic may be heavy. Weather conditions may make changing lanes unsafe. Road conditions may also limit what you can do.
In those situations, slow down to a safe and reasonable speed.
Pay Attention and Give Them Room
Flashing, revolving, or rotating lights are a warning that someone is stopped ahead. That includes hazard lights, so keep an eye out as you approach.
And remember, the person standing beside that vehicle may be only a few feet away from traffic moving at highway speeds.
Those few feet can make a big difference.
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The next time you see flashing lights along a North Dakota roadway, take a moment to assess the situation. If you can safely move over, do it. If you cannot, slow down and give the stopped vehicle as much room as possible.
A few seconds of caution can make a big difference for someone working or waiting on the side of the road.
Move over. Slow down. Pay attention. Protect the people on the side of the road.
It is not just a courtesy. It is the law.
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