Washington’s “Move Over Law” requires all motorists to change lanes If it’s safe or, if it’s not, to slow down when passing police or any emergency vehicles who have pulled to the side of the roadway and have their emergency lights flashing. Motorists must do this at least 200 feet before and after passing the stopped police or emergency vehicle. Failure to do so results in a $214.00 ticket.

The “Move Over Law” was enacted to protect police and emergency personnel standing next to a stopped vehicle on the side of the road.

Many motorists are still unaware of this special passing requirement for police and emergency vehicles. So Washington State troopers are conducting emphasis patrols focusing specifically on the Move Over Law. State troopers stopped 4,216 drivers in 2015 for Move Over Law violations.