Florida’s Expanded Move Over Law: Disabled Vehicles Count Too

For years, Florida’s Move Over law focused on police cars, ambulances, tow trucks, and service vehicles stopped along the road. That changed on January 1, 2024, when House Bill 425 expanded the law to everyday drivers stuck on the shoulder. For anyone driving US-441 or State Road 46 around Mount Dora, it’s worth knowing from both sides.

When You’re Approaching a Stopped Vehicle

Under Florida Statute 316.126, the law now applies when you approach a disabled vehicle that is stopped and displaying hazard lights, emergency flares, or warning signs, or when people are visibly present near it. Drivers must:

• Move out of the lane closest to the stopped vehicle when it’s safe to do so on multi-lane roads
• Slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if moving over isn’t possible
• Slow to 5 mph when the posted limit is 20 mph or less

A violation is a noncriminal moving violation that can bring a citation and points on your license.

How This Can Affect an Auto Claim

If a driver strikes a stopped vehicle or a person on the shoulder, failing to move over or slow down can weigh heavily in fault decisions. Their liability coverage may then be called on to respond to injury and property claims.

When You’re the One Who’s Stopped

• Pull as far off the road as you safely can
• Turn on your hazard lights right away
• Use reflective triangles or flares if you have them
• Stay away from moving traffic, ideally behind a guardrail if one is nearby

Roadside assistance coverage on your policy can help with towing, jump-starts, and flat tires, which shortens your time on the shoulder. If another driver hits your car, collision and uninsured motorist coverage may also apply.

Our post on auto insurance during Mount Dora’s festivals covers another local driving topic. Maranatha Tax and Insurance Agency in Mount Dora, FL can review your liability, roadside, and uninsured motorist coverage. Policy terms vary. Drivers across Mount Dora, FL and Lake County can reach out to Maranatha Tax and Insurance Agency anytime.