Michigan Move-Over Law

What Michigan requires

Michigan makes you do two things at once. Drop at least 10 mph under the limit and move over a lane — or two vehicle widths — for any stopped vehicle running emergency or amber lights, from squad cars to tow trucks to road crews. A straight violation is a $400 civil infraction and 2 points. Injure a responder and it's a felony up to $1,000 and 2 years; kill one and it's up to $7,500 and 15 years (MCL 257.653a).

Who you move over for, and the fallback

• Move over for: Stationary vehicles showing flashing red, blue, white, or amber lights — police, fire, ambulance, road service and tow trucks, plus solid-waste, utility service, and road maintenance vehicles. Not private disabled vehicles with hazard flashers.
• If you can't move over: Slow to at least 10 mph below the posted limit and, where there are two or more lanes your direction, move over one lane (or two vehicle widths) from the stopped vehicle.
• The injury/death felony exposure is the headline — up to 15 years for a death. Standard fine is $400 with 2 points. Amber-light coverage pulls in tow trucks and road/utility crews, but a plain disabled car with hazards is not covered.

What a violation costs

Standard violation is a civil infraction: $400 fine and 2 points. Causing injury to emergency personnel is a felony up to $1,000 and/or 2 years; causing death is a felony up to $7,500 and/or 15 years (6 points either way). Failing to move over for a solid-waste, utility, or maintenance vehicle is a misdemeanor up to $100 and/or 90 days.

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