RICHMOND, Va – Triple-A applauds the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates for overwhelmingly passing and Governor Glenn Youngkin for signing into law this important expansion of the state’s Move Over law that will help save lives. The change, proposed and supported by AAA, extends protections to any stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights, warning signs (like an emergency triangle) or flares.

Currently, drivers are only required to make a lane change and proceed with caution, if possible, when passing emergency vehicles and law enforcement vehicles displaying red or blue flashing lights, and utility, tow and roadside assistance trucks (like those used by AAA for Emergency Roadside Service) displaying amber flashing lights on the roadside. The amendment to the law goes into effect on July 1, 2023.  A violation of the new provision to the law is punishable as a traffic infraction.

“This is a great common sense update to the law that will encourage drivers to slow down and move over to protect all who are along our roadways,” says AAA Mid-Atlantic Public and Government Affairs Manager Morgan Dean.  “Whether it’s a mechanical problem, a flat tire or a medical emergency, the danger on the roadside starts the moment that vehicle pulls onto the shoulder. We want to make sure everyone in, around, or beside that vehicle is as safe as possible and has the room they need to take care of whatever issue they’re having.”

Between 2016 and 2020, 28 people were killed in crashes in Virginia while outside of a disabled vehicle. According to a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 300 pedestrians are killed nationwide each year while leaving, working on, or returning to a stopped vehicle along the road. That number is up 25% since 2014.

In a 2021 AAA poll* of drivers in Virginia, 91% said they would support Slow Down Move Over laws that protect people whose vehicles are disabled on the side of the road. AAA thanks Senator David Marsden and Delegate Chris Runion for carrying the legislation this session. The measure found wide, bi-partisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly.

“We were pleased to work with AAA on this important highway safety bill.  We continue to engage motorists on the importance of protecting everyone on the highway:  public safety officers, tow truck drivers, and fellow motorists. It is my honor to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth that rely on Interstate 81, and I am happy to pass legislation that will protect drivers between the moment their vehicle becomes disabled and the moment the tow truck arrives.” says Delegate Chris Runion (R-Bridgewater). “We look forward to continuing to partner with AAA to keep our highways and roadways safe.”