Brevard County Fire Rescue and the Florida Department of Transportation are reminding drivers that the Move Over law applies every day of the year, not just during January’s designated Move Over Month. The departments issued a joint statement on February 28, 2026, emphasizing that drivers must slow down and move over for emergency and service vehicles whenever they see flashing lights or stop signs. The message comes as part of ongoing efforts to reduce collisions involving first responders and roadside workers.
The Traffic Safety Team at Brevard County Fire Rescue outlined specific actions drivers must take when approaching stopped vehicles displaying warning lights. On roadways with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, motorists must change lanes if safe to do so. If changing lanes isn’t possible, drivers must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. The law also requires drivers to avoid passing stopped emergency vehicles unless directed by a traffic control device or law enforcement officer.
Fire rescue officials highlighted that the Move Over law is part of Florida Statutes 316.2225, which was enacted in 2007 after a 2005 incident in which a Florida Highway Patrol officer was killed by a speeding vehicle. Since the law’s implementation, data shows a decline in collisions involving emergency vehicles, but officials stress that compliance remains inconsistent. In 2025, Brevard County Fire Rescue reported 12 incidents where drivers failed to move over, resulting in minor injuries to three responders.
The departments are urging drivers to treat the Move Over law as a non-negotiable rule, not a seasonal reminder. Violations can lead to fines, license points, and increased insurance rates. FDOT has also installed additional warning signs along major highways in Brevard County, including State Road 520 and the Florida Turnpike, to reinforce the message. Local officials say the goal is to make sure drivers understand that every second counts when first responders are on the road.
Residents can access the full safety guidelines from Brevard County Fire Rescue’s website or by contacting the Traffic Safety Team directly. The departments plan to host a community event in March to demonstrate proper driving techniques around emergency vehicles and answer questions from the public.