NC Move Over Law
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Is the Move Over Law violation a criminal offense in NC?Unlawfully passing a stopped emergency vehicle giving a warning signal by appropriate light is an Infraction pursuant to NCGS 20-157(F). If there was a serious accident you could be charged with a felony.
How many points is Move Over Violation in NC?Violation of the Move Over Law in North Carolina carries 3 insurance points.
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N.C.G.S. 20-157(F)
(f) When an authorized emergency vehicle as described in subsection (a) of this section or any public service vehicle is parked or standing within 12 feet of a roadway and is giving a warning signal by appropriate light, the driver of every other approaching vehicle shall, as soon as it is safe and when not otherwise directed by an individual lawfully directing traffic, do one of the following:
(1) Move the vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest the parked or standing authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle and continue traveling in that lane until safely clear of the authorized emergency vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has at least two lanes for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle and if the approaching vehicle may change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
(2) Slow the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and operate the vehicle at a reduced speed and be prepared to stop until completely past the authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has only one lane for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle or if the approaching vehicle may not change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
(1) Move the vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest the parked or standing authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle and continue traveling in that lane until safely clear of the authorized emergency vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has at least two lanes for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle and if the approaching vehicle may change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
(2) Slow the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and operate the vehicle at a reduced speed and be prepared to stop until completely past the authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has only one lane for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle or if the approaching vehicle may not change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
Why was I charged with a Move Over Violation?
If you failed to change lanes for any type of emergency vehicle on the side of the road giving a warning signal by appropriate light such as a police, fire, medic, or even a tow truck you could be charged under this law. If you are unable to change lanes you are required to slow down to a safe speed.
Attorney fees for Move Over Law in NC
Attorney fees vary by county and firm. Some counties are easier to deal with than other counties based on either the local judges or District Attorney. At Witt Law Firm, P.A. we only handle matters charged in Union and Mecklenburg county. Generally speaking we charge $350 for the Move Over Law infraction if the matter can be resolved without a trial. Feel free to email or give us a call for a free quote.
Options to reduce Move Over Law violation in NC
1. A possible reduction to improper equipment.
2. Requesting a Prayer for Judgment Continued. (PJC).
3. Driving School in exchange for a reduction.
2. Requesting a Prayer for Judgment Continued. (PJC).
3. Driving School in exchange for a reduction.