Bill > S2547

This bill amends the existing Move Over Law to expand protections for utility and disabled vehicles by adding new definitions and modifying penalty provisions. Specifically, the bill defines "utility vehicle" as a vehicle used by communications or utility companies to install, maintain, repair, or restore services during an emergency, and "disabled vehicle" as any non-emergency stationary vehicle located on a roadway shoulder or breakdown lane. The legislation updates existing law to require drivers to move over or slow down for these types of vehicles, in addition to previously covered emergency and maintenance vehicles. The bill also establishes a graduated fine structure for violations, with increasing penalties for repeat offenses: $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second, and $1,000 for third or subsequent offenses. If a violation results in injury, the fine increases to $2,500 and may include up to one year of imprisonment. Additionally, drivers with second or third offenses will be required to complete a driver attitude improvement program, and while first and second offenses will not impact insurance surcharges, subsequent offenses will be considered surchargeable incidents on a driver's record.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Transportation (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2547