Slow down and move over. It’s the law!
April 25, 2023
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–In the aftermath of the terrifying incident involving Robbinsville Township Patrolman Connor Boyle Saturday night on Route 130, Director of Public Safety Dave Fried and Police Chief Michael Polaski would like to remind the public of the “Move Over Law” – New Jersey Statute 39:4-92.2 – which was enacted in 2009.
Every day, thousands of law enforcement officers and emergency personnel take to the streets to help keep the motoring public safe; putting their lives on the line to do so. One of the most dangerous aspects of a police officer’s job is stepping out of their vehicle and onto the roadway. Whether it is to conduct a motor vehicle stop, assist a disabled motorist, investigate a crash, or remove debris from the roadway, perils of all types are everywhere.
Statistics from 2011-2020 reveal that there have been 286 officer line-of-duty deaths due to vehicle crashes, and another 114 due to being struck by a vehicle.
These numbers are not only tragic, but they are often avoidable.
Research shows many drivers believe that moving over is simply an optional courtesy when they see law enforcement vehicles, other emergency vehicles, tow trucks and other public assistance vehicles on the side of the road. Let’s be clear: It is not optional. It is the law! We need to keep our first responders and vehicle assistance workers safe.
Let’s join together to protect those who protect you. The simple act of slowing down and moving over will prevent tragedies.
Slow down and move over. It’s the law!
New Jersey Statute 39:4-92.2
Procedure for motorist approaching certain stationary vehicle.
1. a. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle as defined in R.S.39:1-1 that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red or blue light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, shall approach the authorized emergency vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
b. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary tow truck as defined in section 1 of P.L.1999, c.396 (C.39:3-84.6) that is displaying a flashing amber light, a stationary highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle that is operated by the State, an authority or a county or municipality and displaying flashing yellow, amber, or red lights, or a stationary sanitation vehicle displaying a flashing amber warning light pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2011, c.3 (C.39:3-54.27) shall approach the vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the tow truck, highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle, or sanitation vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change under paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
c. A violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500.
L. 2017, c.43, s.1.
Robbinsville Township Patrolman Connor Boyle has been released from the hospital and is home recovering.
Midjersey.news regularly covers New Jersey’s Slow Down Move Over Law:
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