Florida Highway Patrol targets Move Over law violations to prevent tragedies

Florida is cracking down on the Move Over law, issuing tickets with little to no warning to drivers.

Many drivers were unaware that the law applies to more than just emergency vehicles.

Officials are emphasizing the importance of the Move Over law to ensure safety on the roads. Florida Highway Patrol is taking a firm stance, motivated by incidents like a trooper's vehicle being struck on Midpoint Bridge in 2022.

"We're out there, literally just a few feet or inches away from the motoring travel lanes," said Greg Bueno of the Florida Highway Patrol. "It only takes one person on their phone, one person impaired, one person driving aggressive, and now we have a tragedy that should be 100% preventable, 100% of the time."

The law requires drivers to move over or slow down by at least 20 miles per hour below the posted limit when they see a car stopped on the side of the road with hazard lights on.

"I put up side cones and have my safety vests and everything, and then people still just the wind almost knocks me down all the time," said Javier Gonzalas, a local truck driver.

In 2025, Florida drivers faced more than 19,800 Move Over violations, the second-highest total in nine years, with citations up more than 46% compared to 2020.

"We have way too many cars down here to not move over," said local driver Hailey Puka. "I feel like it's just common courtesy thing and it's a safety thing I know, like, friends I've known, people have gotten hit while they've been changing tires and stuff."

Troopers stress that the goal is to move over or slow down, whether it's for a broken-down car, a work truck, or a family waiting for help.

Law enforcement's message is to move over or slow down before someone gets hurt. Violations can result in fines and points on your license.