Tennessee Move-Over Law

What Tennessee requires

Tennessee wants you over a lane for emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility trucks, sanitation trucks, and highway crews with their lights on, or slowed down if you can't. A first offense runs $250 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. It jumps to $1,000 for a second and $2,500 for a third. Cause a death and you're looking at homicide charges (Tenn. Code §55-8-132). A plain disabled car with hazards is not covered.

Who you move over for, and the fallback

• Move over for: Stopped authorized emergency vehicles, police vehicles, recovery/tow vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, solid waste vehicles, and utility service vehicles displaying flashing lights. TDOT confirms it does not reach a private disabled vehicle with only hazard lights.
• If you can't move over: On a road with four or more lanes (two in your direction), move to a lane not next to the vehicle if it's safe. If you can't, slow to a safe speed for conditions and stay alert.
• The spine listed it as Class C / up to $500. The graduated fines are $250-$500 (1st), $1,000 (2nd), $2,500 (3rd), with up to 30 days jail on a first offense.

What a violation costs

First offense $250 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. Second offense $1,000. Third or subsequent $2,500. Causing a death can bring vehicular or reckless homicide charges.

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