(Des Moines) The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force (CITSTF) and law enforcement across Iowa from June 17 to 19 to educate drivers about the importance of yielding to vehicles on the shoulder displaying flashing lights. Expect to see extra law enforcement on the road looking for those who violate Iowa’s Move Over Law.
Iowa State Patrol Trooper and District #4 Public Information Officer Shelby McCreedy says it requires motorists to change lanes or slow down if changing lanes is not possible when approaching a vehicle on the shoulder displaying flashing lights. This includes emergency vehicles, tow trucks, commercial trucks, and passenger vehicles with flashing lights or hazard lights illuminated.
There have been numerous cases in Iowa and nationwide that resulted in traffic fatalities due to a driver not moving over.
Penalties for violating this law (Iowa Code 321.323A and Iowa Code 321.324) include a fine of $210.25. They may also result in the suspension of driver’s license privileges, ranging from 90 days to one year, in cases involving property damage, bodily injury, or death.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau collaborates with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies that reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa roads, utilizing federally funded grants.
