The state’s new “Move Over Law” goes into effect Monday, Aug. 7, and is revised to provide
protections to all drivers on Colorado roads.
The new law, signed by Gov. Polis in March, requires drivers to move over a lane for any
stationary vehicle on a highway with its hazards flashing. The original law only required drivers
to move over for emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and public utility service vehicles.
Colorado State Patrol says if drivers cannot move over, they must slow down to at least 20 miles
per hour below the speed limit. The penalty for failing to do so is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic
offense, which comes with a possible $150 fine and a 3-point license violation.
“This is something that the Colorado State
seriously,” said Col. Matthew Packard, Colorado
State Patrol Chief. “The risk out there is so much
bigger than just our law enforcement and first
responder community, it could be your neighbor.”
The law goes into effect shortly after two drivers hit two different Colorado State Patrol cars
parked along I-270 in Adams County, seriously injuring a trooper. A Colorado Springs Police
patrol car was also hit the same night in a separate crash while parked along I-25 near West
Fillmore Street. CSPD said the officer in the patrol car had minor injuries.
Over the past five years, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has given out 8,594 citations and warnings
to drivers failing to yield to emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and other public service vehicles.
CSP said 497 of those citations and warnings were given to drivers this year on Colorado
roads. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) said so far this year seven
CDOT safety patrol trucks have been hit by passing drivers.
