This State Will Imprison You If You Don't Reduce Speed and Shift Over | Carscoops

      Beginning July 11, drivers in West Virginia are required to either slow down or move over for anyone stopped on the roadside.

      The state has updated a long-standing law to enhance protections for more vulnerable road users. The ‘Slow Down Move Over’ statute now applies to more than just emergency vehicles.

      From July 11 onward, first-time violators may incur a fine of up to $500 or face up to 60 days in jail.

      

      Similar ‘Slow Down Move Over’ laws are in place across the United States, with every state implementing such regulations on major highways. However, the specific requirements vary by state, and West Virginia is expanding its previous stipulations. The mandate to slow down and move over will now be more comprehensive, with penalties that are applicable regardless of who is stopped on the roadside.

      In 2003, West Virginia enacted a ‘slow down move over’ law aimed at protecting first responders. The law mandates that drivers steer clear of the lane nearest to a stopped vehicle, or if that is not possible, at least reduce their speed. If no special circumstances exist, they must both slow down and change lanes.

      An Expanded Scope of Protection

      The FBI reports that accidental motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause of death for police officers in the first half of 2024. This threat extends not only to officers but to anyone on the roadside as traffic passes by.

      This includes firefighters, construction workers, and regular motorists awaiting assistance due to vehicle troubles. According to AAA, nearly 1,900 people were struck outside their disabled vehicles between 2017 and 2021.

      Prior to July 11, the state only penalized drivers who did not slow down and move over for first responders. Now, anyone who fails to do so for any vulnerable person on the roadside—whether a police officer or a civilian working on their broken-down vehicle—could face penalties. First-time offenders risk up to 60 days in jail or a $500 fine.

      “AAA commends the West Virginia Legislature for their efforts in enacting this vital legislation to safeguard motorists on the roadside, and we thank Gov. Morrisey for signing this measure into law,” stated Lori Weaver Hawkins, public affairs manager, AAA Blue Grass, to WVNews.

      “The roadside is an exceptionally hazardous environment, with vehicles traveling at high speeds. As a staunch advocate for traffic safety, AAA is pleased to see these protections extended to motorists in disabled vehicles as well as road maintenance vehicles, while still safeguarding all first responders.”

      Requirements of the Law

      Crucially, the law specifies that drivers must slow down for a disabled vehicle only if it is displaying warning lights. This may include hazard lights, flares, or other warning signals. Thus, individuals who must stop on the side of the road are also required to alert approaching drivers of the situation.