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To help reduce injuries, the Plymouth Police Department will focus education and enforcement efforts on the "Move Over Law."
Named in honor of a State Patrol trooper who died after being hit by another vehicle while standing on the shoulder of I-90 near Winona, Minn., in 2000, the Ted Foss Move Over Law requires motorists to move into the next lane to give emergency responders room to work.
"This law is about keeping public safety crews safe," said Plymouth Police Officer Scott Kirchner. "Motorists must move over when they see flashing lights on the shoulder – including those belonging to first responders and paramedics, tow vehicles, law enforcement, firefighters and construction crews."
Through this initiative, the Plymouth Police Department Traffic Unit aims to help save lives and reduce injuries by educating motorists about the law.
The Law: According to Minnesota Statute 169.18, Subd. 11, “When approaching and before passing an authorized emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated that is parked or otherwise stopped on or next to a street or highway having more than two lanes in the same direction, the driver of a vehicle shall safely move the vehicle so as to leave a full lane vacant between the driver and any lane in which the emergency vehicle is completely or partially parked or otherwise stopped, if it is possible to do so.”
What it Means: When traveling on a road with two or more lanes, drivers must move over one full lane away from stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights activated. Failing to do so endangers personnel who provide critical and life-saving services.
According to Minnesota Statute 169.14, Subd. 3, motorists who are unable to move over must slow down when approaching or passing an emergency vehicle with flashing lights activated.
