Lawmakers propose expansion of Move Over Law to cover all stopped vehicles
The change is aimed at raising awareness and improving safety for anyone who is stopped on the shoulder.
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New Jersey lawmakers are pushing to expand the state’s Move Over Law, saying too many drivers still fail to slow down or change lanes when they see flashing lights on the roadway.
The current law requires drivers to move over for emergency vehicles, tow trucks and road crews. But a new bill would extend that requirement to any stopped vehicle with flashing lights.
“We see it very frequently that people are not abiding by this law,” said Stacy Chiarolanza, with the Fairfield Police Department.
State Sen. Paul Moriarty sponsored the bill. He said he introduced the expansion after a New Jersey American Water employee was killed last year when a driver failed to move over in a South Jersey work zone.
“He was working in the roadway in South Jersey, and a car did not pull over. In fact, went through the work area. He was killed,” Moriarty said.
The change is aimed at raising awareness and improving safety for anyone who is stopped on the shoulder.
“We’ve had people injured, we’ve had deaths. It’s very tragic,” Moriarty said. “As you approach a stationary vehicle with flashing lights, move a lane further away from them.”
Police departments like Fairfield’s say they welcome the potential change. Violators could face fines of up to $500.
The bill still needs state Senate approval before heading to Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk.
