You see the blue lights up ahead, so you try to get over. Another car speeds up right next to you. You slow down as you pass the police car. Before you know it, he’s behind you and his lights are still on. He’s pulling you over. What did you do wrong? A move over law violation? What’s that?
Georgia’s Move Over Law
Defined in O.C.G.A. § 40-6-16, Georgia’s Move Over Law requires motorists to switch lanes away from stationary emergency and utility vehicles before they pass those vehicles. In the event a lane change is not possible, drivers must slow down to a “reasonable and proper speed.” The driver must be able to stop if necessary. The law is also known as the “Spencer Pass Law” in honor of Spencer Pass, a HERO driver killed while assisting a motorist on the side of the road.
While the law is based on good intentions, sometimes the enforcement of this law goes too far. Officers routinely make unreasonable assumptions about whether a driver had room to change lanes. Frequently, drivers slow down to a reasonable speed, but officers disregard that and ticket them anyway. The purpose of the law is to avoid injury, not create a system of revenue for traffic courts.
Consequences of a Move Over Citation
Georgia’s Move Over Law is considered a moving infraction under Georgia traffic law. DDS imposes three points against Georgia licenses for a Move Over Law infraction. Unlike other traffic infractions, the Move Over Law has it’s own unique sentencing requirements. The maximum fine on a Move Over citation is $500.00 if the stationary vehicle was an emergency vehicle or $250.00 if it was a utility vehicle. The biggest consequence, however, is that the offense will be reported on your permanent driving history, which insurance companies routinely check to determine rates.
Move Over Law Attorneys at Lankford & Moore Law Can Save the Day
Whether your ticket is in a local city court, a county recorder’s court, or even state court, our attorneys can help. Most courts are harsh against defendants on these types of citations because this law is made to protect the same officers who wrote your ticket. That doesn’t put you in a great position to discuss alternative outcomes for your case. Don’t have an uncomfortable and awkward courtroom experience. We can look into the unique facts and circumstances of your case and determine what strategy is best for you. Most of our clients walk out of court with a clean record and no points.
Call in Reinforcements Without Leaving Your Living Room
Hiring a lawyer is an important decision. Therefore, we always offer a free in-office consultation to anyone with a pending legal issue. However, we know that you are busy. Driving to a law firm while fighting traffic could take hours. Our intake form and contract can be completed from your smartphone or computer, which means you can get the representation you need wherever you are within minutes. You no longer have to wait for an appointment several days from now. You can sleep easy tonight.
Live Outside Georgia? We Can Clear Your Traffic Ticket Without You Appearing
We understand how easy it is to get a Move Over Law citation while you’re just passing through. No matter what kind of traffic ticket, we understand that it can affect your non-Georgia driver’s license just as much as it would affect a Georgia resident. You are at a disadvantage though because it is difficult for you to appear and defend yourself when you live so far away. Let us take distance out of the equation. We can appear on your behalf and satisfy your ticket without you having to appear. You get the same expert legal advice and quality representation with the convenience you need.
