WSP Increases Traffic Patrols Statewide This Weekend

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Patrol this weekend will conduct enhanced traffic patrols as part of its statewide "Slow Down, Move Over" campaign. The enhanced patrols are intended to bring awareness to the state's "Move Over Law."

Drivers should expect increased WSP presence along state highways, especially in construction zones, from April 26 through April 28. The "Move Over Law," according to WSP, "requires that vehicles approaching an emergency or work zone should proceed with due caution, slow down, and if safe move over, or change lanes."

Additionally, drivers are expected to make room for approaching emergency or work zone vehicles as well.

"Troopers put themselves at risk everyday keeping our roadways safe," WSP spokesman Chris Loftis said in a statement. "Since 2016, 104 patrol cars were hit on the side of the road, leaving 27 injured.

Emergency or work zone vehicles include:

• Authorized emergency vehicles using audible or visual signs;
• Tow trucks making use of visual red lights;
• Other vehicles providing roadside assistance using warning lights;
• Police vehicles displaying a flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency lights;
• Stationary or slow moving highway construction or maintenance vehicles, solid waste vehicles, or utility service vehicles making use or flashing or warning lights.

To be clear, the emergency or work zone area specified by the updated law includes the lanes of the roadway adjacent to the emergency or work zone vehicles, and 200 feet before and after the emergency or work zone vehicles, officials said.

Further, officials said if there are two lanes going in the same direction drivers are expected to move completely into the furthest left lane.

The indisputable penalty for "Move Over Law" violations is $214. WSP troopers reportedly contacted nearly 5,000 drivers for such violations in 2018.

"Spring is here and more people will be out on the roads traveling and enjoying the weather. The Washington State Patrol would like to remind drivers to slow down and move over when they see emergency lights," Loftis said. "It’s safe and it’s the law."

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