← Virginia driving laws›Move Over Law

Virginia Move Over Law Laws (2026)

Info: In Virginia, when you approach a stopped vehicle showing blue, red or amber lights or hazard flashers — police, fire, tow and utility vehicles — change into a lane that isn't next to it if it's safe.

InfoVerified Jun 18, 2026

Vehicle rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

In Virginia, when you approach a stopped vehicle showing blue, red or amber lights or hazard flashers — police, fire, tow and utility vehicles — change into a lane that isn't next to it if it's safe. If it isn't, slow down and proceed with caution.

Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Move Over Law in states bordering Virginia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

District of ColumbiaInfo
In the District of Columbia, when you approach a stopped vehicle showing flashing or hazard lights, change into a lane that isn't next to it if it's safe. If you can't, slow to a speed that is reasonable for conditions (18 DCMR 2210).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: fems.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
KentuckyInfo
Kentucky requires you to move into the adjacent lane for emergency, public-safety, safety-patrol and towing vehicles with flashing lights. If that isn't safe, slow down and use caution.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MarylandInfo
Maryland requires you to move over a lane or slow down for stopped emergency, service, tow, and waste or recycling vehicles showing signals — and for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) giving emergency aid to a disabled vehicle.
Verified Jul 23, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
North CarolinaInfo
On multilane roads, North Carolina requires you to move over a lane for stopped emergency and public service vehicles with their lights on, including tow trucks and utility vehicles. If you can't move over, slow down.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ncdot.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
TennesseeInfo
Tennessee requires you to move into a lane that isn't next to a stopped emergency, utility or highway-maintenance vehicle with flashing lights. If that isn't safe, slow down (TCA 55-8-132).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
West VirginiaInfo
In West Virginia, when you approach a stopped vehicle showing flashing or hazard lights, change lanes away from it if you can. If you can't, slow to 15 mph on an undivided road or 25 mph on a divided one. A 2025 change expanded the law to cover all vehicles.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Virginia vehicle rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.