Slow Down – Move Over

It’s Tuesday, which means time for another #TrafficTipTuesday with Sgt. Eaton!

“May 6th through May 8th 2022 has been designated as “Slow Down – Move Over” weekend in the state of Maryland. This week for #traffictiptuesday I thought it would be a good idea to speak briefly about Maryland’s move over law and why it is so important.

The Maryland Move Over law is exactly what it sounds like. This law requires motorists approaching from the rear of an authorized vehicle stopped on a highway with light flashing to, if possible, make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the vehicle. The first question becomes, “what constitutes an ‘authorized vehicle?’” A general rule of thumb is that any vehicle authorized to display flashing lights is included. In addition to law enforcement, fire department, and medical personnel, the law also covers tow trucks, service, and utility vehicles as well as waste management and recycling trucks. Obviously, the safest thing would be to slow down and/or move over for ANY vehicle stopped along the side of the road. Violation of Maryland’s Move Over law could result in a $110 fine and one point on your driving record.

I could spend days and days talking about how dangerous failing to obey this law can be. In fact, in 2021, 129 pedestrians were killed on Maryland roads. So far this year, there have been 35 people killed on the side of the road. The biggest contributor to these unnecessary deaths? You’ve guessed it. Speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving.

Next weekend, you can expect to see police all over the state stepping up enforcement efforts for Slow Down-Move Over weekend. I hope each of you will do your part to slow down and be safe.

As always, if you have a question or concern, please leave it in the comments below. Also, if you have a specific concern with unsafe driving in your area, such as speeding, drag racing, etc., give us a call, send an email, or reach out on social media. Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely

HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org
@hcsotrafficsgt on Instagram