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Difficulty: MediumEmergency Vehicles and Move-Over Laws

A driver traveling southbound on a multi-lane highway notices a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights on the right shoulder of the northbound lanes, separated by a solid concrete median barrier. Traffic in the southbound lanes is moving smoothly. What action is legally required of the southbound driver?

  1. Continue driving normally while maintaining safe awareness, because Move-Over rules do not apply to traffic separated by a physical median barrier.Answer
  2. B
    Immediately signal, change to the far right lane, and reduce speed to 20 mph below the posted limit.
  3. C
    Bring the vehicle to a complete stop in the left lane until the emergency vehicle turns off its lights.
  4. D
    Flash high-beam headlights repeatedly to alert oncoming drivers on the opposite side of the road.

Answer

The driver should continue driving normally while maintaining safe awareness, because Move-Over rules do not apply to traffic separated by a physical median barrier.
Move-Over statutes require motorists to change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary emergency vehicles with active lights on their side of the highway. However, when traffic in opposing directions is separated by a physical barrier such as a concrete wall, guardrail, or unpaved median, opposing drivers are not required to alter their lane position or speed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the position of the stationary emergency vehicle relative to the direction of travel.
The emergency vehicle is positioned on the opposite (northbound) side of the highway.
Move-Over laws distinguish between same-direction traffic and opposing traffic on divided roads.
2
Identify the physical separation between opposing lanes.
A solid concrete median barrier divides the northbound and southbound lanes.
Physical barriers prevent emergency response operations from encroaching into opposing traffic flow.
3
Apply the legal exception under Move-Over regulations.
Opposing traffic separated by a physical barrier does not need to change lanes or reduce speed.
Maintaining normal driving behavior prevents secondary rear-end collisions in unaffected lanes.

Key Concept

Move-Over Law Physical Barrier Exception
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Topics

Emergency Vehicles and Move-Over Laws

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