The Virginia legislature enacted a law five years ago making it a serious crime to drive past a police officer on the side of the road without changing lanes. As a result, unsuspecting motorists, who are not speeding, can nonetheless be caught in a speed trap and face a first degree misdemeanor ticket that carries a fine of up to $2500. According to a Virginia State Police news release issued in July, despite the significant financial penalty involved, nearly three-quarters of all motorists have never heard of “move over” laws.
Forty states have passed these laws which require drivers either to make an immediate lane change when approaching a police officer with his flashing lights activated, or to slow down at least 20 MPH under the posted speed limit.
One thought on “Ignorance of the law is no excuse”
Comments are closed.
40 states? I guess it’s a good idea to just always move over.