10/8/04-The Assembly Transportation Committee voted in favor of a bill intended to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.
A695, sponsored by Assemblyman Robert J. Smith, D-Gloucester, would require drivers to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle parked by the road with their lights flashing.
The measure, dubbed the “Move Over Act,” would require drivers to merge into the furthest lane away from an emergency vehicle. On two-lane highways, drivers would be required to slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit or 5 mph, whichever is greater, before passing the emergency vehicle.
Violators could be fined $50.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.

5/27/04-A practice followed by professional truck drivers for decades would become law under a bill in the Assembly Transportation Committee.
The proposal is designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.
Under A695, dubbed the “Move Over Act,” drivers would be required to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle parked by the road with their lights flashing.
The measure, authored by Assemblyman Robert J. Smith, D-Gloucester, would require drivers to merge into the furthest lane away from an emergency vehicle. On two-lane highways, drivers would be required to slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit before passing the emergency vehicle.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.