Pennsylvania’s new “Move Over” law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area who are unable to safely merge into a lane farther away from the response area to slow down to at least 20 mph under the posted speed limit. An emergency response area is where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have lit flares, posted signs or are trying to warn motorists.

Under the new law, motorists must move over or slow down for all responders, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, as well as stopped tow trucks and maintenance vehicles. Additionally, a similar regulation requires motorists to move over or slow down when approaching a stationary trash or recycling truck.

The penalties for failure to follow these rules are steep.

Failure to move over or slow down will result in a citation that carries a $500 fine for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 and a 90-day license suspension for a third or subsequent offense. Penalties are increased for incidents that seriously injure or kill another person.