RSO cracking down on ‘Move Over’ violations

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  - Riverside County deputies say too many drivers are failing to follow the state’s “Move Over” law, putting first responders and tow truck operators at serious risk.

“We’ve been noticing a lot of vehicles just drive the speed limit right past you, within a foot of us, as we’re doing a traffic stop,”  Deputy Sheriff Paul Abrego with the Riverside County Sheriff's Office said.

The Move Over law require drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching stopped emergency or utility vehicles with flashing emergency or hazard lights, to protect personnel.

"For example, if it's a 40 mile an hour zone, the good practice would be to cut your speed down to 20 miles per hour as you're passing. If you're unable to change lanes," Abrego said.

He said the law applies to law enforcement, fire crews, ambulances, tow truck drivers and Caltrans workers.

"It's not only on the highways," Abrego said. "This is also required on city roads."

Abrego said ignoring the law puts lives at risk.

“It could cause a fatal accident. It could cause serious injury,” he said. “All these roadside workers have loved ones at home… it’s courtesy as well as the law.”

Starting soon, Abrego said the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RSO) will launch enforcement operations.

“We are going to be heavily enforcing. Especially out here in the desert," Abrego said. "Here at the Palm Desert station we are going to be doing operations to try to protect these roadside workers and make it safe."

Riverside County drivers who fail to move over or slow down face a $234 traffic fine.

"If something major happens, someone gets seriously injured or a fatal accident happens, you can be charged criminally for the incident," Abrego said.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 6 p.m.