The Law

4511.213 Approaching stationary public safety vehicle displaying emergency light.

(A) The driver of a motor vehicle, upon approaching a stationary public safety vehicle, an emergency vehicle, or a road service vehicle that is displaying the appropriate visual signals by means of flashing , oscillating, or rotating lights, as prescribed in section 4513.17 of the Revised Code, shall do either of the following:

(1) If the driver of the motor vehicle is traveling on a highway that consists of at least two lanes that carry traffic in the same direction of travel as that of the driver’s motor vehicle, the driver shall proceed with due caution and, if possible and with due regard to the road, weather, and traffic conditions, shall change lanes into a lane that is not adjacent to that of the stationary public safety vehicle, an emergency vehicle, or a road service vehicle.

(2) If the driver is not traveling on a highway of a type described in division (A)(1) of this section, or if the driver is traveling on a highway of that type but it is not possible to change lanes or if to do so would be unsafe, the driver shall proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle, and maintain a safe speed for the road, weather, and traffic conditions.

(B) This section does not relieve the driver of a public safety vehicle, an emergency vehicle, or a road service vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property upon the highway.

(C) No person shall fail to drive a motor vehicle in compliance with division (A)(1) or (2) of this section when so required by division (A) of this section.

(D)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(2) Notwithstanding section 2929.28 of the Revised Code, upon a finding that a person operated a motor vehicle in violation of division (C) of this section, the court, in addition to all other penalties provided by law, shall impose a fine of two times the usual amount imposed for the violation.

 

 

Patrol reminds motorists to move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles – It’s the law

the Ohio State Highway Patrol is out with a reminder of the state law requiring motorists to move over or slow down to give safe clearance to law enforcement officers and public safety workers on roadsides.

Ohio’s law is section 4511.213 of the Ohio Revised Code, and it states a motor vehicle driver who is traveling on a highway that consists of at least two lanes that carry traffic in the same direction of travel as that of the driver's motor vehicle, must proceed with due caution and, if possible and with due regard to the road, weather, and traffic conditions, change lanes into a lane that is not adjacent to that of the stationary public safety vehicle. Furthermore, in the event a driver is not traveling on the type of highway described above, or if the driver is traveling on a highway of that type but it is not possible to change lanes or if to do so would be unsafe, the driver must proceed with due caution, reduce their speed, and maintain a safe speed for the road, weather, and traffic conditions.

In Ohio from 2001 to 2005, 82 Highway Patrol vehicles were struck during traffic stops, including two fatal and 43 injury crashes. More than 150 U.S. law enforcement officers have been killed since 1997 after being struck by vehicles along America's highways while performing roadside duties such as investigating crashes, enforcing traffic laws, and assisting motorists. Since the Ohio “Move Over” law was passed in September 1999, state troopers have issued over 11,650 citations to motorists who violated this law and jeopardized the safety of emergency workers.

“When Ohio’s law enforcement officers or other first responders are pulled over with a motorist, they put their lives at risk. The last thing they need to be worried about is being struck by a bad driver, but that's one of the gravest dangers they face today. We want the motoring public to know they are required by law to move over or slow down to keep our state troopers, police officers, sheriff's deputies, and emergency response personnel safe,” Colonel Richard H. Collins, Patrol superintendent said..

There are large roadway signs erected statewide on all major highways that describe the state law requiring motorists to move over or slow down for stopped law enforcement and public safety vehicles. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has produced a video and public service announcements on this topic that can be viewed on-line at http://statepatrol.ohio.gov/video.stm .