Slow Down Move Over
It is the law. It saves lives. And it helps roadside workers make it home.
When you see flashing lights on the shoulder, someone may be working just feet away from moving traffic. Whether it is a tow operator, emergency responder, law enforcement officer, utility worker, highway maintenance crew, or another public service vehicle operator, slowing down and moving over can prevent a tragedy.
Why This Law Matters
Roadside workers do not have much protection between themselves and passing traffic. Flashing lights are not just a warning — they are a reminder that someone is outside working in a dangerous place.
Roadside Work Is Dangerous
A disabled vehicle, crash, impound, or recovery call can put a tow operator on the shoulder, near traffic lanes, or beside a vehicle while cars and trucks pass at roadway speeds.
One Lane Creates Space
Moving over gives roadside workers a safer area to do their job. If changing lanes is not safe, slowing down gives you more time to react.
Every Worker Has A Family
Tow operators and first responders answer calls when people need help. Slowing down and moving over helps make sure they get home safely.
What North Carolina Law Says
Under North Carolina General Statute § 20-157(f), when an authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle is parked or standing within 12 feet of a roadway and giving a warning signal by appropriate light, approaching drivers must take action as soon as it is safe.
If the roadway has at least two lanes traveling in the same direction and the driver can change lanes safely, the driver must move into a lane that is not nearest to the stopped vehicle and continue in that lane until safely clear.
If the roadway has only one lane traveling in the same direction, or the driver cannot change lanes safely, the driver must slow down, maintain a safe speed for traffic conditions, operate at a reduced speed, and be prepared to stop until completely past the stopped vehicle.
The law defines a public service vehicle to include a vehicle being used to assist motorists or law enforcement officers with wrecked or disabled vehicles. That is why the Move Over Law directly matters to tow truck operators, recovery crews, and roadside service providers.
See Lights? Do This.
- Look ahead and pay attention.
- Move over when it is safe to change lanes.
- If you cannot move over safely, slow down.
- Maintain a safe reduced speed for traffic conditions.
- Be prepared to stop until completely past the scene.
A Few Seconds Of Caution Can Save A Life
Slowing down and moving over is a small action for the driver, but it can mean everything to the person standing on the roadside.
How To Pass A Roadside Scene Safely
Use these simple steps anytime you see flashing lights, cones, a tow truck, emergency vehicle, utility vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle, refuse vehicle, or disabled vehicle near the roadway.
Notice Early
Watch for flashing lights, brake lights, cones, workers, and vehicles stopped near the roadway.
Check Traffic
Look around before changing lanes. Never make an unsafe lane change.
Move Over
When safe, move one lane away from the stopped vehicle and roadside workers.
Slow Down
If you cannot move over, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop until you are safely past.
Protecting The People Who Protect You
Ray’s Body Shop & Wrecker Service responds to wrecks, breakdowns, recoveries, impounds, and roadside emergencies throughout Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and surrounding areas. Our operators work in all weather, at all hours, and often in dangerous roadside conditions.
Flashing Lights Mean Caution
Amber lights on a tow truck are a signal that a worker may be outside the vehicle assisting someone, loading a vehicle, or handling a recovery.
Put The Phone Down
Distraction is dangerous near roadside scenes. Keep your eyes up, both hands ready, and your attention on the road.
Give Them Room
Leave as much space as possible between your vehicle and the people working on the roadside.
Slow Down. Move Over. Save Lives.
The next time you see flashing lights on the shoulder, remember that someone is out there helping another driver. Please move over when possible, slow down when you cannot, and help keep North Carolina roads safer for everyone.
Need Wrecker Service? Call Ray’sThis page is provided for public safety awareness by Ray’s Body Shop & Wrecker Service and is not legal advice. Drivers should follow current North Carolina law, posted traffic controls, and instructions from law enforcement or traffic control personnel.