West Virginia Move-Over Law
West Virginia now covers any stopped vehicle showing hazards, flares, or a warning sign, not just responders and tow trucks (W.Va. Code § 17C-14-9a). Move over a lane if you've got room. If not, drop to 15 mph on an undivided road or 25 mph on a divided highway. It's a misdemeanor, up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. Hurt someone and you lose your license 6 months; a death costs you 2 years.
What West Virginia requires
West Virginia now covers any stopped vehicle showing hazards, flares, or a warning sign, not just responders and tow trucks (W.Va. Code § 17C-14-9a). Move over a lane if you've got room. If not, drop to 15 mph on an undivided road or 25 mph on a divided highway. It's a misdemeanor, up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. Hurt someone and you lose your license 6 months; a death costs you 2 years.
Who you move over for, and the fallback
- Move over for: Police, fire, EMS, tow, and highway vehicles, and since 2025 any stopped vehicle displaying emergency flashers, hazard lights, flares, or a retroreflective warning sign. A disabled car with hazards on is covered.
- If you can't move over: On a road with at least four lanes, move to a lane not next to the stopped vehicle and slow down. If you can't move over, slow to no more than 15 mph on an undivided road or street, or 25 mph on a divided highway.
- Expanded around July 2025 to cover any stopped vehicle with hazards, flares, or a warning sign. The 'felony if death' figure in some national roundups is not in this section: death results in a 2-year license suspension on top of the misdemeanor penalty.
What a violation costs
Misdemeanor. Up to $500 and/or up to 60 days in jail. Cause an injury and your license is suspended 6 months; cause a death and it's 2 years. This section is a misdemeanor, not a felony.
West Virginia Move-Over Law FAQ
What is the move-over law in West Virginia?
What is the fine for a move-over violation in West Virginia?
Do you have to move over for a tow truck in West Virginia?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://code.wvlegislature.gov/17C-14-9a/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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