District of Columbia Move-Over Law
DC never passed a modern move-over law for stopped vehicles. The rule you follow is the old one: pull to the right curb and stop for an emergency vehicle coming at you with lights and siren (DCMR 18-2210). Failing to yield runs about $150. No District law makes you change lanes for a car parked on the shoulder, so give roadside vehicles room the way every neighboring state expects.
Some figures on this page are flagged medium confidence. The rule is solid, but a specific fine tier should be confirmed with the state DOT or DPS before you rely on it.
What District of Columbia requires
DC never passed a modern move-over law for stopped vehicles. The rule you follow is the old one: pull to the right curb and stop for an emergency vehicle coming at you with lights and siren (DCMR 18-2210). Failing to yield runs about $150. No District law makes you change lanes for a car parked on the shoulder, so give roadside vehicles room the way every neighboring state expects.
Who you move over for, and the fallback
- Move over for: Authorized emergency vehicles and fire apparatus approaching with lights and siren. No coverage of stopped or disabled vehicles, tow trucks, or utility vehicles.
- If you can't move over: Yield the right of way, pull to the right-hand curb or edge of the road, and stop until the emergency vehicle passes. This is a yield rule, not a change-lanes-for-a-stopped-vehicle rule.
- DC has no dedicated law making you change lanes for a vehicle stopped on the shoulder. The cited regulation only requires yielding to an approaching emergency vehicle. AAA and NHTSA count DC as having a move-over law, but that refers to this yield rule. Verify current rules with DDOT and the DC DMV.
What a violation costs
About $150 for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.
District of Columbia Move-Over Law FAQ
What is the move-over law in District of Columbia?
What is the fine for a move-over violation in District of Columbia?
Do you have to move over for a tow truck in District of Columbia?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://fems.dc.gov/page/movetotherightdc. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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