Move Over Law to Include Utility Vehicles

NES crew working on a site by a road downtown.

Tennessee’s law that requires drivers to move over or slow down while passing a police or emergency vehicle is now expanding to include utility trucks.

The “Move Over Law” now covers trucks that work on electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications. It aims to protect the people who often work right next to traffic.

Mark Logan supervises crews for the Nashville Electric Service, and has seen plenty of close calls with workers on the road.

“Our materials are stored inside the truck so oftentimes we’re right beside the traffic getting materials out of the bins on the trucks. Any trip hazard or anything that you may stumble over is going to throw you right into traffic, so you’re always on your toes.”

Logan says the expanded “Move Over Law” will not just protect workers, but drivers too.

“Those big trucks, with the big bumpers, and they sit up high- it’s not like hitting a car on the side of the road. You hit one of those trucks and it’ll open up a car like a can opener. It’ll really hurt the people in that car.”

Tennessee police have given more than 10,000 “Move Over” citations since the original law passed in 2003. The number of citations varies greatly by county.

For the “Move Over Law” to apply, the truck must have flashing lights. The law takes effect on July 1st.