Chapter 7 · Lesson 27 of 38
Move Over: emergency, amber-light and disabled vehicles
4 min read · Safe Vehicle Operation
Explanation
Indiana’s Move Over law requires you to yield the right of way — move over to the right and stop, or change lanes — when approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.
When you approach a stopped vehicle of these kinds, change lanes away from it. If you can’t, slow to 10 mph under the posted limit and proceed with caution:
| Vehicle | Lights | Penalty for not complying |
|---|---|---|
| Authorized emergency vehicle (fire, police, ambulance, and certain hospital, INDOT, EMS and corrections vehicles) | Flashing red, red and white, or red and blue | Class A infraction |
| Authorized parked vehicle (tow truck, highway maintenance, utility, trash truck, survey/construction) | Flashing amber | Class B infraction |
| Disabled vehicle | Hazard warning flashers | Class B infraction |
Example
On the interstate (limit 70) a tow truck is loading a car on the shoulder with amber lights flashing. You signal and move to the left lane. If traffic had blocked you, you would slow to 60 mph and pass with caution.
Common mistake
Thinking the move-over rule is only for police and fire. It also covers amber-light work vehicles and any disabled vehicle with its hazard lights on.
What the manual says
Indiana has a Move Over law (IC 9-21-8-35) that requires motorists to yield the right of way; move over to the right and come to a complete stop; or change lanes when approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.
Motorists who approach an emergency vehicle displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, or red and blue lights are required to change lanes away from the authorized vehicle. If you cannot move over, the motorists shall reduce their speed to 10 mph under the posted limit and proceed with caution.
Motorists who approach a disabled stationary vehicle with flashing hazard warning signals are required to change lanes away from the disabled vehicle.
Sources
- Manual p. 51
“Indiana has a Move Over law (IC 9-21-8-35) that requires motorists to yield the right of way; move over to the right and come to a complete stop; or change lanes when approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.”
- Manual p. 51
“Motorists who approach an emergency vehicle displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, or red and blue lights are required to change lanes away from the authorized vehicle. If you cannot move over, the motorists shall reduce their speed to 10 mph under the posted limit and proceed with caution.”
- Manual p. 51
“Failure to comply is a Class A Infraction.”
- Manual p. 51
“Authorized emergency vehicles identified under IC 9-13-2-6 include:”
- Manual p. 51
“motorists who approach an authorized parked vehicle with amber flashing lights are required to change lanes away from the authorized vehicle.”
- Manual p. 51
“Failure to do so is a Class B Infraction.”
- Manual p. 51
“Authorized vehicles with amber flashing lights include:”
- Manual p. 51
“Motorists who approach a disabled stationary vehicle with flashing hazard warning signals are required to change lanes away from the disabled vehicle.”
Check your understanding
Question 1 of 3