North Carolina Move-Over Law

What North Carolina requires

Move over a lane for stopped emergency vehicles and public service trucks, tow, utility, highway crews, with lights on (N.C.G.S. § 20-157). Can't move? Slow to a safe speed. A plain violation is $250. Injure a responder and it's a Class 1 misdemeanor. Cause serious injury or death and it's a Class F felony.

Who you move over for, and the fallback

• Move over for: Stopped law enforcement, fire, and ambulance/rescue vehicles, plus public service vehicles: tow trucks, utility, highway maintenance, and refuse trucks, all with lights on. A regular disabled car is not covered.
• If you can't move over: Move into a lane not next to the stopped vehicle if it's safe. If not, slow the vehicle and keep a safe speed for traffic conditions.
• Graduated penalties: $250 infraction, Class 1 misdemeanor for property damage over $500 or injury, Class F felony for serious injury or death.

What a violation costs

Base violation is a $250 infraction. Cause property damage over $500 or injure a responder and it's a Class 1 misdemeanor. Cause serious injury or death and it's a Class F felony, with a possible 6-month license suspension.

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