Expansion of Kentucky’s Slow Down, Move Over law aimed at protecting motorists with disabled vehicles will take effect July 15.
The commonwealth has had a law requiring drivers to “slow down and move over” to protect first responders, highway crews, tow truck operators and others working along roadsides since 2003. But after SB 107 was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear in April, the existing law was expanded.
Starting July 15, motorists approaching a disabled vehicle displaying emergency flashers, flares or other type of warning signal, will be required: to move over a lane, away from the disabled vehicle, if safe to do so; or reduce their speed if unable to change lanes or if on a roadway of fewer than four lanes.
“Expanding Kentucky’s ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ law to encompass all vehicles supports Team Kentucky’s mission to provide safe highways for all road users,” said Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “Every motorist, regardless of their vehicle’s size or purpose, deserves to make it to their destination safely – every trip, every time.”
According to AAA analysis of data obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,874 people were struck while outside of a disabled vehicle in the U.S. from 2017-2021.
Kentucky State Police crash data shows that in Kentucky alone, during the five years beginning June 1, 2019, and ending June 1, 2024, there were 32 people killed in crashes while either leaving or approaching their vehicles. During the same time, 16 people were killed in crashes while changing tires or performing other work on their vehicles.
Despite all 50 states having some form of Move Over law, motorists routinely indicate when surveyed that they are either unaware of these laws or are uncertain which groups or types of vehicles apply. Expansion of Kentucky’s existing Slow Down, Move Over law reduces confusion by requiring motorists to extend caution to anyone displaying flashing lights on or around a stationary vehicle stopped at the side of the road.
