Wisconsin’s Move Over law requires drivers to provide a safe zone for first responders, service workers and motorists who are stopped along the road. The Wisconsin State Patrol is highlighting the lifesaving importance of this law through its November Law of the Month, reminding drivers to move over or slow down when they see flashing lights or a stranded motorist.
“Whenever someone stops along the road, they are putting their lives in the hands of fellow motorists,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “The Move Over law provides the best protection for anyone who has to stop or work near busy traffic, including our officers who encounter these dangerous situations every day. When you see flashing lights or a stranded motorist, it’s simple, move over or slow down.”
Failure to move over or slow down puts lives at risk. Over the past five years, five people have died and another 128 have been injured while inside or near a vehicle stopped along a Wisconsin road. In addition, 72 emergency responders were struck by a vehicle while working on the roadside.
Secondary crashes are also a major concern that could be prevented if drivers moved over or slowed down near a crash scene. Over the past five years, there have been 3,523 secondary crashes in Wisconsin resulting in 29 fatalities and 1,650 people injured.
Move over or slow down. It’s the law.
Wisconsin’s Move Over law has expanded through the years to better protect those who are stopped along the road. The law, which was enacted in 2001, requires drivers traveling on a road with two or more lanes in the same direction to move out of the lane closest to stopped law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks and utility or highway maintenance vehicles with their warning lights activated. If unable to safely move over, or along single lane roadways, vehicle operators must slow down.
Wisconsin further enhanced protections for emergency responders when 2021 Wisconsin Act 115 was signed into law in December 2021, creating an emergency response area that bans handheld cell phone use within 500 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle giving a visible signal or with its flashing lights on.
Most recently, 2025 Wisconsin Act 54 was signed into law last December adding the same protections for disabled vehicles stopped along the road with hazard lights on, emergency devices or flares placed near the vehicle, or someone visibly attending to the vehicle.
Drivers who violate the Move Over law could be cited with a noncriminal moving violation and a fine of up to $300. If the violation results in a crash or injury, the penalties can be much more severe.
Safety tips for motorists
The Wisconsin State Patrol urges motorists to put safety first with the following tips:
Drivers:
● Stay alert and scan the road ahead for stopped vehicles and traffic incidents.
● Avoid distractions. Put the phone down and focus on the road.
● Drive sober. Impairment slows reaction times and can affect driving ability.
● Provide a safe zone for stranded motorists and first responders on the side of the road. Move over as you approach and pass them. If you can’t safely move over or are on a one-lane road, you must slow down.
Stranded or stopped motorists:
● Get out of travel lanes. Pull as far over on the shoulder as safely as possible to create more distance between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
● Turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers.
● If you can safely make it to the next exit or stopping point, do so.
● Call local law enforcement for assistance if needed. In an emergency, call 911.
● Stay in your vehicle if you can safely do so. Keep your seat belt on.
● If you must get out of your vehicle, watch the oncoming traffic for a safe opportunity to exit and remain close to your vehicle. Avoid turning your back to traffic whenever possible.