Every day in West Virginia, first responders step onto the shoulders of highways and interstates to protect the public—often in fast‑moving, unpredictable traffic. Whether they are paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, law enforcement officers, or tow and recovery professionals, these men and women face one of the most dangerous environments in public safety: the roadside. West Virginia’s Move Over Law exists for one reason—to keep them alive.

West Virginia first enacted its Move Over Law joining a nationwide effort to reduce the number of responders struck and killed while working on the roadside. The law requires drivers to slow down and, when safe, move over one lane when approaching any emergency vehicle displaying warning lights. This simple action dramatically reduces the risk of secondary crashes and gives responders the space they need to work safely.

The urgency behind this law is not theoretical. Nationally, law enforcement officers, Tow operators, firefighters, and EMS personnel face the same threat. In West Virginia, recent incidents—including responders being struck during routine roadside operations—underscore how quickly a scene can turn deadly when drivers fail to move over.

As of July 2025, the law WV code 17C-14-9a, has expanded even further, now requiring drivers to slow to 15 mph on undivided highways and 25 mph on divided highways when approaching any stationary vehicle displaying hazard or warning lights. Violations carry steep penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time when injuries occur.

But the heart of the Move Over Law isn’t punishment—it’s prevention. A single lane change or a small reduction in speed can be the difference between a responder going home to their family or becoming another tragic statistic.

For the men and women working crashes, medical emergencies, and disabled vehicles along West Virginia’s roadways, the Move Over Law is more than a regulation—it’s a lifeline. Every driver who slows down and moves over plays a direct role in protecting those who protect the public.