Move over law — Nebraska Permit Test

On a multi-lane controlled-access highway, a driver approaching a stopped emergency or other listed vehicle with flashing lights must move at least one travel lane away from it.

Workers and officers beside a stopped vehicle stand inches from the lane, and a passing car can strike them.

A driver in a vehicle on a multi-lane controlled-access highway approaching a stopped emergency, road assistance, public/private utility maintenance, highway maintenance, or solid waste or recycling collection vehicle with flashing lights must move into a lane at least one travel lane away from the stopped vehicles.

If moving into another lane is not possible because of traffic or other conditions, the driver must reduce speed and keep a safe speed past the stopped vehicles.

A car passing at full speed right beside a stopped vehicle leaves no time to react if someone steps out.

If moving into another lane is not possible, due to other traffic or for other conditions, the driver must then reduce their speed and maintain a safe speed past the stopped vehicles.

The Move Over Law also covers stopped utility, highway maintenance, and solid waste or recycling collection vehicles with flashing lights.

A trash crew works at the side of the truck, right next to the lane passing cars use.

A driver in a vehicle on a multi-lane controlled-access highway approaching a stopped emergency, road assistance, public/private utility maintenance, highway maintenance, or solid waste or recycling collection vehicle with flashing lights must move into a lane at least one travel lane away from the stopped vehicles.

Under the Move Over Law, road assistance vehicles include Department of Transportation vehicles, State Patrol motorist assistance vehicles, registered towing or roadside assistance vehicles, and utility service vehicles.

A tow truck driver hooking up a car works beside live lanes with no barrier between him and traffic.

Note: For purposes of this section, road assistance vehicle includes a vehicle operated by the Department of Transportation, a Nebraska State Patrol motorist assistance vehicle, a United States Department of Transportation registered towing or roadside assistance vehicle, and a utility service vehicle operated by a utility company

A first offense under the Move Over Law can be fined up to $100.

Even one careless pass beside a stopped crew can kill a worker standing at the edge of the lane.

1st offense up to $100.

A second or later Move Over Law offense can bring a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 7 days in jail.

A driver who keeps passing stopped crews at full speed keeps putting the same workers at risk.

2nd and subsequent offenses up to $500 and/or up to 7 days in jail.

On a multi-lane controlled-access highway, what must you do when nearing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

Move at least one lane away from it. Workers and officers beside a stopped vehicle stand inches from the lane, and a passing car can strike them. Nebraska Driver’s Manual, p.51: “A driver in a vehicle on a multi-lane controlled-access highway approaching a stopped emergency, road assistance, public/private utility maintenance, highway maintenance, or solid waste or recycling collection vehicle with flashing lights must move into a lane at least one travel lane away from the stopped vehicles.”