Slow Down Move Over law now to protect motorists in addition to emergency personnel

Drivers in Wisconsin are now required to move over or slow down when approaching disabled vehicles on the side of the road. Gov. Evers signed Assembly Bill 409, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 54, into law today, giving drivers added protection when stopped on the side of the road. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) applauds Gov. Evers for supporting this expansion of the Move Over law to better safeguard motorists and reduce the risk of roadside crashes.

“This bill gets us one step closer to zero deaths on Wisconsin’s roads,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “It sets in stone the respectful action all drivers should already be taking when approaching any vehicle roadside. Extending driver protections to enhance safety on our roads is critical to our mission at WisDOT, and we celebrate this potentially lifesaving milestone.”

Wisconsin’s Move Over law was enacted in 2001. It requires drivers traveling on a road with two or more lanes in the same direction to move out of the lane closest to stopped law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks, utility or highway maintenance vehicles with their warning lights activated. If unable to safely move over, or along single lane roadways, vehicle operators must slow down. 2025 Wisconsin Act 54 adds the same protections for disabled vehicles stopped along the road with hazard lights on, emergency devices or flares placed near the vehicle, or one or more persons attending to the vehicle and visible to motorists. Violators could be cited with a noncriminal moving violation and a fine of up to $300. If the violation results in a crash or injuries, the penalties can be much more severe.

“Our officers know firsthand how dangerous pulling over on the side of the road can be, especially when other drivers are not alert and paying attention,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “We will be watching for violations to this new law and opportunities to educate drivers on its lifesaving importance. Giving stranded motorists space is not just a courtesy anymore, it’s now the law, and it’s important that everyone on the road is aware of this impactful change.”

Stopping alongside the road can be dangerous. Over the past five years, 145 people in Wisconsin were injured roadside while inside or near a stopped vehicle and 5 were killed. In addition, 73 emergency responders were struck by a vehicle while working on the side of the road.

Motorists have an important role in keeping each other safe on the road. WisDOT offers the following tips:

Motorists:

• Remain alert and scan the road ahead for stopped vehicles and traffic incidents.
• Never drive distracted. Put the phone down and focus on the road.
• Provide a safe zone for disabled vehicles and first responders on the side of the road. Move over as you approach and pass them. If you can’t safely move over or are on a one-lane road, you must slow down.

Stranded or stopped motorists:

• Get out of travel lanes. Pull as far over on the shoulder as safely possible to create more distance between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
• Turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers.
• If you can safely make it to the next exit or stopping point, do so.
• Call local law enforcement for assistance if needed. In an emergency, call 911.
• Stay in your vehicle if you can safely do so.
• If getting out of your vehicle, watch the oncoming traffic for a good time to exit, and remain close to your vehicle. Try to avoid turning your back to traffic whenever possible.