Arizona Department of Transportation

10/18/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/18/2024 07:12

Don’t forget to ‘Move Over’ when you see flashing lights on the side of the road

If you see a procession of massive tow trucks and first responder vehicles out on metro Phoenix highways on Saturday morning and wonder: What's going on?

Don't panic. It's the Arizona Professional Towing & Recovery Association's eighth annual parade for National Move Over Day.

National Move Over Day, held on Oct. 19 this year, is an opportunity to bring awareness to Arizona's "Move Over" law, which requires motorists to move over one lane - or slow down if it's not safe to change lanes - when driving by any vehicle with flashing lights pulled to the side of a road.

If you see flashing lights on the side of the road, and you're not able to safely move over because of traffic conditions, slow down, proceed with caution and be prepared to stop. Stay alert and watch for people or objects that could enter your travel lane.

Remember: Arizona's "Move Over" Law protects everyone, not just emergency responders or tow truck drivers. While first responders and others, like ADOT's Incident Response Unit, sponsored by GEICO, are most frequently at risk, the law covers every vehicle pulled over with flashing lights.

The next time you see a fire truck or emergency vehicle with flashing lights or a motorist with their hazards on changing a tire on the side of the road, move over a lane if it's safe to do so.