07/16/2025
The West Virginia legislature passed a critical piece of legislation aiming to protect motoriststs stopped alongside the roadside by expanding its “Move Over” law.
The law went into effect last Friday, enhancing safety for motorists across West Virginia.
Initially the law enacted in 2003 primarily focused on protecting law enforcement officers and other emergency responders like paramedics and firefighters, who often find themselves stationed along the roadways.
The law has been expanded to include highway maintenance vehicles, tow trucks, stranded motorists and even disabled vehicles displaying warning lights in addition to emergency responders.
“I am glad to see they have opened this up to any vehicle parked along a highway because not every motorist is fortunate enough to find a safe place to pull off when a collision or maintenance problem arises,” Ritchie County sheriff Bryan Davis said.
Motorists must yield by changing lanes away from authorized vehicles when safe to do and reduce their speed on highways with at least four lanes.
“Highway workers, police, tow companies and fire/EMS see close calls every day, and it is understandable that sometimes passing motorists can’t always get over, especially in heavy traffic, but on U.S. 50 that is rare,” Sheriff Davis said.
The penalties for violations can result in fines up to $500, jail time and driving privilege suspensions ranging from 90 days to two years depending on if property damage, injury or death occurs.
For the complete story, please visit ritchiecountynews.com or pick up a copy of this week's edition of The Pennsboro News.
