Move Over

Virginia’s Move Over Law:

When approaching a stationary vehicle (1) displaying flashing red, blue or amber lights, or (2) that has activated its hazard warning lights, is displaying caution signs, or is marked with lit flares or torches, Virginia law (§ 46.2-861.1) requires that the driver of any motor vehicle*:

Move over: Proceed with caution and, if reasonable, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the stationary vehicle; or

Slow down: If changing lanes would be unreasonable or unsafe, proceed with due caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions.

*The Move Over law applies only to vehicles operating on highways having at least four lanes with two of those intended for traffic proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle.

The Move Over law does not apply in highway work zones.

(Virginia Department of Transportation)