MARYLAND

SUMMARY

Motorists in Maryland must move over when approaching emergency, law enforcement, tow truck, utility, and transportation vehicles while they are stopped, standing, or parked on a highway with their red, amber, or yellow lights flashing. If it is not safe or feasible to move over, motorists must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.

The Move Over Law in Maryland has expanded to require motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying warning signals – including hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals including traffic cones, caution signs, or non-vehicular warning signs. The expanded law is in place to protect law enforcement, emergency responders, and any motorist that may encounter a roadside emergency and must stop near travel lanes.

LAW

§21–405.

(a) On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22–218 of this article or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall yield the right–of–way.

(b) On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22–218 of this article or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall drive immediately to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the edge or curb of the roadway, clear of any intersection.

(c) On the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22–218 of this article or of a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal, the driver of every other vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall stop and stay in this position until the emergency vehicle has passed.

(d) A driver, when proceeding in the same direction as an emergency or police vehicle, may not pass an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22–218 of this article or a police vehicle lawfully using an audible signal unless:

(1) The emergency vehicle has stopped; or

(2) Otherwise directed by a police officer.

(e) (1) This subsection applies to a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle that is:

(i) 1. On a highway; and

2. Using a visual signal that meets the requirements of § 22–218 or § 22–218.2 of this article; and

(ii) 1. A commercial motor vehicle providing emergency maintenance to a disabled vehicle;

2. An emergency vehicle;

3. A service vehicle as defined under § 22–201 of this article;

4. A tow truck that is properly registered in accordance with § 13–920 of this article; or

5. A waste or recycling collection vehicle.

(2) Unless otherwise directed by a police officer or a traffic control device, the driver of a motor vehicle that approaches from the rear a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle to which this subsection applies shall:

(i) If practicable and not otherwise prohibited and with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the stopped, standing, or parked vehicle; or

(ii) If the driver of the motor vehicle is unable to make a lane change in accordance with item (i) of this paragraph, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.

(f) This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons.

CONSEQUENCES

Violating the law is a misdemeanor carrying a $110 fine and one point on your license. If the violation causes a crash, the fine is $150 and three points. If there is a death or serious injury, the fine is $750 and three points.