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Move It On Over
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the "Move Over" Law and
"Fender-Bender" Law in North Carolina
I've never heard of the "Move Over" Law or the "Fender-Bender" Law. What are they?
The "Move Over" Law and the "Fender-Bender" Law both deal with the movement of vehicles and motorist safety along North Carolina's highways.
The "Move Over" Law requires motorists, when approaching a parked or standing emergency vehicle with its lights flashing on the shoulder of the highway, to move to a lane not nearest the emergency vehicle if possible. If not possible reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Motorists should travel in that lane until clear of the emergency vehicle. Motorists on two-lane roads should slow down and use caution when passing a parked or standing emergency vehicle.
The "Fender-Bender" Law states that motorists involved in a minor, non-injury accident on a highway are required to move their vehicles to the shoulder of the road as quickly as possible. The act also authorizes law enforcement officials to remove, without liability, commercial truck cargo and other personal property interfering with traffic flow.
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When did these laws go into effect?
The "Move Over" Law became effective on January 1, 2002. The "Fender-Bender" Law is a part of House Bill 1140, and it went into effect on October 1, 2003.
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What happens if I violate them?
Failure to abide by the "Move Over" Law could result in a minimum of a $250 fine plus an estimated $100 in court costs. Violation of the "Fender-Bender" Law could result in a $10 fine plus an estimated $100 in court costs.
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If I am in an accident, how do I know if I should move my car?
If there are no injuries and the vehicle is driveable, you are required to move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road or another safe place as soon as possible. You will not be penalized by your insurance company or law enforcement officials for moving your car. Once you have moved your car to the side of the road, contact law enforcement by dialing 911.
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Why are these laws important?
Both the "Move Over" Law and the "Fender-Bender" Law are designed to protect the safety of motorists, law enforcement officials and emergency responders.
The "Move Over" Law focuses on the safety of motorists, law enforcement and other emergency responders stopped along the shoulder of the road. Similarly, the "Fender-Bender" Law increases highway safety by helping keep travel lanes clear and moving freely.
Thirty percent of all crashes occur as the result of another crash. Giving emergency responders plenty of room and clearing the road in the wake of a crash reduces the chance that another fender-bender will occur. For every minute a freeway lane is closed, it takes four additional minutes for traffic to recover. Incidents on the highway account for 60 percent of urban traffic congestion.
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Who do I contact for additional information?
Signs will be posted along North Carolina's highways to remind motorists to Move It On Over when passing an emergency vehicle or in the wake of a minor traffic accident. The new signs were unveiled on June 24, 2004 at a media event in Raleigh.
For additional information, please contact the department's Customer Service Office toll-free at 1-877-DOT-4YOU.
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NCDOT reminds motorists to Move It on Over when passing an emergency vehicle or when involved in a minor traffic accident.
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NC DOT
NC DOH
NC GOV
