Effective July 1, 2002, drivers will be required
to "move over" or "slow down" when approaching an authorized emergency vehicle
that is stopped on a highway in Florida.
There are several important provisions concerning this new law. Beginning July
1st, on interstate highways or other highways with two or more lanes traveling
in the direction of the emergency vehicle, and except when otherwise directed by
a law enforcement officer, drivers approaching a law enforcement or other
authorized emergency vehicle parked on a roadway with their emergency lights
activated, will be required to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle,
as soon as it is safe to do so.
When approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked
on a two-lane roadway with their emergency lights activated, and except when
otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers will be required to
slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when
the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or greater; or travel at 5 miles per
hour when the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less. A violation of
this act will be a moving violation punishable with a $60 fine and three-points.