Too many drivers don’t follow Move Over Law

Many South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) employees are thankful this holiday season for the Move Over Law, intended to protect them as they work along the highways. However, too many drivers are whizzing past, not keeping safety in mind.

"It's very dangerous out there for our employees. They are often called on to perform highway maintenance and emergency road repair. But there's not much to protect them from traffic speeding by," said Laura Schoen Carbonneau, SDDOT communication manager.

Schoen-Carbonneau reminds drivers to follow the Move Over Law. The law requires drivers traveling on an interstate or highway with more than two lanes to move over to the farthest lane of traffic when they come upon any stopped vehicle with flashing yellow lights. They should then proceed with caution. Drivers on two-lane highways must slow down to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit and then proceed with caution.

The Move Over Law is intended for any stopped vehicle with flashing yellow lights, not just SDDOT vehicles.

"Most people know to stop or slow down when they come across a law enforcement vehicle with its warning lights on, but they don't always think about doing it when they see a vehicle with flashing yellow lights," said Schoen-Carbonneau.

Since it went into effect on�July 1, 2003, the highway patrol has cited over 300 drivers for violating the Move Over law. A violation of the law is a Class 2 misdemeanor, which is punishable by a $200 fine and/or 60 days in jail.