Recently there was a story on the news about a police officer who was nearly hit by a car. The officer was performing a traffic stop on I-77 when a vehicle that was passing barely missed striking the officer. This is the reason why North Carolina has a statute, G.S. 20-157, in place known as the “move over” law. The law requires vehicles to move over to another lane of traffic if they see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road.
Specifically the statute requires that if an authorized emergency or public service vehicle is parked within 12 feet of a roadway while giving a warning signal the driver of an approaching vehicle must either move their vehicle into the next lane of traffic away from the emergency vehicle. If the driver of the approaching vehicle on a road which has only one lane of traffic in the direction he is driving then he must reduce his speed. This must be done until the driver has passed the emergency vehicle or public service vehicle. The fine for a violation of this statute is $250.00 minimum with the potential to be a Class I felony if serious injury or death results due to a violation of this statute.
If you should find yourself in a situation where you have been charged with a DWI you need to contact an attorney who has the experience and knowledge necessary to handle your case with the care it deserves. We defend DWIs and DUIs in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Pineville, Cornelius, Huntersville, Lake Norman, Pineville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and UNCC. For a private, confidential consultation with one of our experienced DWI lawyers, please call 704-499-9000 or toll-free 877-374-5999 even on weekends or holidays. Visit our main page here.