The Maine State Police Are Promoting The ‘Move Over Law’

I-95 is a hectic driving experience, so it is important to follow the rules and pay attention!

It goes without saying that Maine’s highways are very busy places. Thousands of cars come screaming down the road, and all are of course are traveling at a very high rate of speed. This happens every day, and is normal procedure, but it can be very dangerous when a Maine State Trooper is parked on the side of the road, in fact, it can be deadly.

Last Friday, the Maine State Police held demonstrations in Bangor, and Wells, about the importance of the “Move Over Law” The law requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching stopped emergency and public service vehicles on the side of the road. Not following this rule carries a pretty hefty minimum fine of $275. Now on a busy day, you may not be able to switch lanes so easily, but you can slow down and safely pass any cars that are pulled over.

Several of these vehicles are hit on the road every year. In fact, in the first half of 2021, 19 officers nationwide were struck by another vehicle and killed. These people are putting their lives on the line every time they step out of that car, so it is really important to adhere to this law.

And since we are at it, this is a great time to remind people of Maine’s school bus laws, since the kiddos are back to class. Maine State law, Title 29-A, §2308, requires you to stop for school buses that are receiving or discharging passengers. The motor vehicle driver must stop when encountering a school bus in the process of loading or unloading students

Passing a stopped school bus while its lights are on and flashing is a Class E crime here in Maine, which is punishable by a fine of $250 for the first offense and a mandatory 30-day license suspension for a second, so keep your eyes peeled, so everyone can stay safe!