Understanding the Expanded KY “Slow Down, Move Over” Law
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on January 9, 2025
Kentucky’s newly expanded “Slow Down, Move Over” law, went into effect on July 15, 2024. Many drivers are familiar with the basic move-over laws. However, the updated statute introduces clearer requirements to look after the wellbeing of emergency vehicles, public safety personnel, and individuals in disabled vehicles. As Louisville car accident lawyers, this law is an important one to keep drivers and emergency personnel safe.
Key Points of the Expanded “Slow Down, Move Over” Law
1. Yielding the Right-of-Way to Emergency Vehicles
Under the new law, drivers are required to immediately yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles when:
- They see flashing red or blue lights or
- They hear an audible signal such as a siren, exhaust whistle, or bell.
When an emergency vehicle approaches, move to the edge of the road, stay clear of intersections, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed by or you are otherwise directed by emergency personnel. This rule minimizes the risk of accidents at intersections where emergency vehicles need clear access to respond to incidents. It also ensures that other vehicles are not in the way when emergency responders need to navigate through traffic.
2. Maintaining a Safe Distance from Emergency Vehicles
Another key provision of the new law is the requirement for drivers to maintain a safe distance from emergency vehicles. Unless a driver is on official business, they are prohibited from following any emergency vehicle with lights or sirens on closer than 500 feet. Additionally, drivers cannot park their vehicles in the same block where an emergency vehicle has stopped to respond to a call. This rule helps prevent congestion around emergency vehicles and allows responders to operate without interference. It also reduces the chances of collisions or accidents while emergency responders are working.
3. Protecting Fire Department Equipment
The law also contains specific protections for fire department equipment. Drivers are not allowed to drive over an unprotected fire hose that has been laid out on the street, private driveway, or track unless the fire department official in charge gives explicit consent. This provision ensures that fire hoses, which are vital for extinguishing fires, are not damaged or compromised while in use.
4. Approaching Stationary Emergency and Public Safety Vehicles
The law extends protections to stationary emergency and public safety vehicles that display alternately flashing yellow, red, white, or blue lights. Drivers approaching these vehicles must:
- Move to a Different Lane. If driving on a highway with at least four lanes (two lanes in the same direction), drivers must change lanes, if safe to do so. This allows them to avoid driving in an adjacent lane next to the emergency vehicle.
- Reduce Speed. If changing lanes is not possible, or if driving on a road with fewer than four lanes, drivers must slow down, maintaining a safe speed based on road conditions.
5. Reducing Speed Near Disabled Vehicles
This law also protects the occupants of disabled vehicles and other road users without an emergency vehicle present. It states that drivers must also move over or slow down when approaching disabled vehicles on the side of the road. This is especially true if the vehicle is displaying warning signals such as:
- Emergency flashers
- Flares, or
- Retroreflective signals.
Why These Changes Are Important
Failure to comply with these laws can result in penalties like tickets or, in severe cases, arrest. The expanded “Slow Down, Move Over” law makes the road safer for emergency responders, public safety personnel, and motorists alike. By yielding the right-of-way, moving over, or reducing speed when approaching emergency vehicles, drivers are helping to create a safer environment for everyone on the road.
Call Cooper and Friedman if You Were Injured on the Road
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in the State of Kentucky and are in need of an experienced injury attorney, give the lawyers at the Cooper & Friedman law firm a call. The attorneys at Cooper and Friedman PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending the rights of car accident victims. Contact us with questions you might have or schedule a free case consultation with an attorney by calling 502-459-7555 today.