Tennessee’s “Move Over Law”

The “Move Over Law,” which passed in 2006, requires motorists to move over into the adjacent lane of traffic, when safe to do so, or alternatively to slow down for emergency or stalled or disabled vehicles.

In 2011, the law was expanded to include utility service equipment to the list of vehicles for which motorists are required to either slow down or move over.

Upon approaching a stationary recovery vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle, solid waste vehicle, or utility service vehicle, when the vehicle is giving a signal by use of authorized flashing lights, a person who drives an approaching vehicle shall move over a lane, when safe to do so, to allow a safe space for the stationary or disabled vehicle.

The penalty for violating the “Move Over Law” in Tennessee is a maximum fine of up to $500 and possibly up to 30 days in jail.