I stand corrected. I was positive that when the law was first passed, it wasn't optional.srothstein wrote:I disagree Mel. The law does not give a preference to one action or the other. It simply says you must do one or the other. Incidentally, it applies to tow trucks now, as well as police, fire, and EMS.Mel wrote:This law is misunderstood often. The law does not give you the option of slowing down or moving over.PBratton wrote:I've noticed this as well. Could they be relying on the new law that requires drivers to slow down or leave the lane?
As I understand the law, it says you MUST move over to leave an empty lane between you and the emergency vehicle.
If that is not possible, THEN you must slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. But it does not give you the option of slowing down if it is possible to move over.
Sec. 545.157. PASSING AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE.
(a) On approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702, or a
stationary tow truck using equipment authorized by Section 547.305(d), an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall:
(1) vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle or tow truck when driving on a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the
emergency vehicle or tow truck; or
(2) slow to a speed not to exceed:
(A) 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or more; or
(B) five miles per hour when the posted speed limit is less than 25 miles per hour.
Thanks for the clarification.