Harsher Penalties In New "Move Over" Law

There are now stiffer penalties in place for drivers who violate the state's ‘Move-Over' law. 

The legislation is named after Jason Quick. A year ago, the Lumberton police officer was hit and killed by an oncoming vehicle while responding to a crash in that area on I-95. Back then, not moving over to the next lane or slowing down near emergency vehicles on the side of the road was a misdemeanor. Under the new changes, violating the law and injuring someone in the process could result in prison time.

Governors Highway Safety Director Mark Ezzell says as the number of traffic offenses in North Carolina continues to rise along with the population growth, the time is right for change.

“Officers stop at the side of the road, and the other drivers aren't always as considerate as they should be with those officers,” says Ezzell. “So, it's a sad issue. It's something that really needs to be addressed. And making these penalties more harsh is one way to do that.”

The new law also makes it a misdemeanor to drive through areas previously blocked with cones or barricades put up by the Department of Transportation and other emergency personnel. 

Ezzell says the change is especially needed during hurricane season.

“In the eastern part of the state, we saw people who were driving through the flooded roads there,” says Ezzell. “That's a danger to them and it's a potential danger to rescuers if rescuing becomes necessary.”

The new laws went into effect beginning on December 1, 2019.