Which vehicles it covers
The law applies only when the vehicle is stopped and showing flashing, rotating or oscillating lights:
- Emergency vehicles: police, fire, rescue and ambulance, plus road service vehicles such as tow trucks and wreckers and MDOT safety service vehicles.
- Other vehicles: garbage and solid waste haulers, utility service vehicles and road maintenance vehicles.
What you must do
- Slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit.
- Move over into a lane that leaves at least one lane, or two vehicle widths, between you and the stopped vehicle, if it is safe.
- If you can’t move over because of traffic, weather or road conditions, or on a two-lane road, still slow down and pass with caution, giving as much room as you can.
Follow a police officer’s directions if one is managing the scene. On a divided highway, you don’t have to slow down or move over for a vehicle stopped on the other side of a median or barrier.
Penalties
| Situation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Failing to move over or slow down for an emergency vehicle | Civil infraction: $400 fine and two points |
| Doing so for a garbage, utility or road maintenance vehicle | Misdemeanor, up to 90 days |
| Injuring a police officer, firefighter or other emergency responder | Felony: up to 2 years in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both |
| Killing one | Felony: up to 15 years in prison, a $7,500 fine, or both |
If you were hurt at a roadside stop
Tow operators, road crews and drivers stopped on the shoulder are hit every year. If you were hurt by a driver who didn’t move over, you have Michigan no-fault benefits regardless of fault, and you may have a claim against that driver. See car accident claims.
Hurt on the shoulder or at a roadside stop? Request a free case review or call.
Sources: MCL 257.653a; Michigan State Police, “Move Over” (michigan.gov/msp), checked November 7, 2026.
Questions people ask us
What is the Michigan Move Over law?
When you approach a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, garbage truck, utility or road maintenance vehicle with its lights flashing, you must slow to at least 10 mph below the speed limit and move over a lane if it is safe.
What if I can’t change lanes?
Slow to at least 10 mph below the speed limit and pass with caution, giving the vehicle as much room as you can.
What is the fine for not moving over in Michigan?
For an emergency vehicle, a $400 civil fine and two points, according to the Michigan State Police. Injuring an emergency responder is a felony punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a $1,000 fine; killing one, up to 15 years and $7,500.
Does it apply on a divided highway?
You don’t have to slow down or move over for a vehicle stopped on the other side of a median or barrier.
