Navigating the roads safely requires not only attentiveness but also a thorough understanding of traffic laws, especially when it comes to yielding to emergency vehicles. In Michigan, specific laws dictate how drivers should respond when encountering both approaching and stationary emergency vehicles. This article aims to lay out these regulations and the fines a driver can be met with if they fail to abide by them.​
Yielding to Approaching Emergency Vehicles
Michigan law mandates that upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle—such as police cars, fire trucks, or ambulances—displaying flashing lights and audible signals, drivers must:
- Promptly pull over to a position parallel and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, clear of any intersections.​
- Come to a complete stop and remain in that position until the emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.​
This requirement ensures that emergency responders can navigate traffic swiftly and safely during critical situations, where time is of the essence.
Michigan’s Move Over Law for Stationary Emergency Vehicles
When approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle with activated flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights, Michigan’s Move Over law requires drivers to:
On roads with two or more lanes in the same direction:​
- Carefully move over into an open lane at least one lane away from the stationary vehicle.
- If moving over is not possible due to traffic, weather, or road conditions, reduce speed by at least 10 mph below the posted limit and pass with caution, giving the emergency vehicle as much space as possible.
On roads with only one lane in each direction:​
- Slow down by at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit.
- Pass with caution, allowing ample space for the stationary vehicle and its personnel.
This law applies not only to traditional emergency vehicles but also to tow trucks, utility service vehicles, and road maintenance vehicles with the proper lights displayed.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to adhere to these laws has significant consequences:
- Violating the Move Over law is a civil infraction, resulting in two points on the driver’s license and a fine of $400.​
- If a violation causes injury to emergency personnel, the driver faces felony charges, up to 2 years in prison, and/or a $1,000 fine.​
- If a violation results in death, penalties increase to up to 15 years in prison and/or a $7,500 fine.
Get David Get Paid
Understanding and complying with Michigan’s laws regarding stopping for emergency vehicles is paramount for the safety of emergency responders and all road users.
By yielding appropriately to approaching emergency vehicles and adhering to the Move Over law for stationary ones, drivers contribute to a safer driving environment and ensure that emergency (and maintenance) personnel can perform their duties without unnecessary risk.​
If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident, do not hesitate in reaching out to Femminineo Law today! David Femminineo and his team are amongst the best injury attorneys in Michigan. You can rest assured that with David on your side, you will get the compensation you deserve for your auto accident or personal injury case.
Give us a call at 855-65CRASH or visit our website getdavidgetpaid.com, today!
