Ignorance of the law is usually no excuse.

But next week, it just might work.

A statewide enforcement of Florida's move-over law begins Monday. But unlike the "Click it or ticket" campaign, where zero tolerance is given for those caught not using their seat belts, the new campaign will be as much about education as it will be about writing tickets.

The move-over law, which requires drivers to give wide berth to police or emergency vehicles on the roadside, has been on the books in Florida since 2002. Even so, most motorists have never heard of it, and those who have don't understand it, said Sgt. Jorge Delahoz of the Florida Highway Patrol.

A nationwide poll a year ago by Mason Dixon Polling & Research confirms that. Even though most states have a law similar to Florida's, 71 percent of those polled had never heard of move-over laws.

"The law is just common sense," Delahoz said. But it addresses one of the most serious situations facing emergency-service providers of all types, he said.

"It's a big problem," Delahoz said. His agency alone has had 40 patrol cars -- and in some cases state troopers -- hit by vehicles while stopped alongside roadways in the past two years, he said.

Everyone from law-enforcement officers to wrecker drivers put their lives in danger when they work on roadsides, and all are covered by the law, Delahoz said. "It's a serious problem."

On roadways with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction, drivers are required to move out of the lane closest to any emergency or law-enforcement vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

If a motorist is unable to move over, or on two-lane roads, drivers must reduce their speed to at least 20 mph less than the posted speed limit or to 5 mph if the posted speed limit is 20 mph, according to the law.


Campaign push

State, county and municipal officers across Florida will participate in the move-over campaign. Some agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol, will issue warnings during the first three days of the campaign in an effort to "increase the awareness level," Delahoz said.

Not every agency will be as lenient as the FHP. Lake Mary police, for instance, will be enforcing the law from the beginning of the campaign, department spokesman Anthony Seda said.

If you're ticketed for a move-over violation, expect a fine and points to be added to your drivers license.
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