Washington State Patrol to conduct Move Over Law Emphasis Patrol

Chief John R. Batiste announced the Washington State Patrol (WSP) will conduct an emphasis patrol state wide beginning October 27, to October 29, to bring increased awareness to the Move Over Law.

Between 2007 and 2014, 212 WSP vehicles were struck while conducting traffic stops or providing motorist assistance. Three troopers and multiple citizens have been injured in collisions over the last seven years, as a result of vehicles either striking the trooper or a parked emergency vehicle.

According to the Move Over Law, RCW 46.61.212, drivers approaching an emergency zone are required to either move over to another lane in the same direction, if it is safe to do so, or if a driver is unable to move over safely, proceed with caution and reduce the speed of their vehicle. 

Emergency vehicles include police, fire, medical, tow trucks and vehicles providing roadside assistance, making use of hazard lights.

This is a nationwide problem. In 2014, WSP troopers stopped over 4,000 violators of the Move Over Law.