7/25/05-Gov. Mike Easley has signed a bill into law that could result in a $250 fine for motorists who fail to move to another lane when approaching an emergency vehicle that has its lights flashing and parked or standing by the side of multilane roads or reduces speed while on a two-lane road. Violators also would pay $100 in court costs.
The old rule fines offenders $25 plus $100 in court costs.
Motorists whose inaction results in an accident, injury or death would face the increased penalty. If an emergency official is seriously injured or killed, offenders could get possible prison time and a six-month driver’s license revocation.
In an effort to educate all drivers of the state’s “Move Over” law, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is posting large signs on interstates throughout the state alerting motorists of the rule.
The stiffer penalties, which won unanimous support in the Legislature, take effect in July 2006.

7/6/05-The Senate has approved a bill that would more than double penalties for motorists in the state who don’t slow down or move over for emergency vehicles.
Under HB288, motorists who fail to move to another lane when approaching an emergency vehicle that has its lights flashing and parked or standing by the side of multilane roads or reduce speed while on a two-lane road could be fined $250.
Existing North Carolina law allows for a fine of up to $25 and $100 in court costs.
Motorists whose inaction results in an accident, injury or death would face the increased penalty. If an emergency official is seriously injured or killed, offenders could get possible prison time and a six-month driver’s license revocation.
The bill, which previously passed the Senate, now heads to Gov. Mike Easley for his signature. For bill status, call (919) 733-7779.

6/3/05-House lawmakers unanimously approved a bill June 1 that would more than double penalties for motorists who don’t slow down or move over for emergency vehicles.
Under HB288, sponsored by Rep. Ray Rapp, D-Madison, motorists who fail to move to another lane when approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights parked or standing by the side of multilane roads or reduce speed while on a two-lane road could be fined $250.
Current North Carolina law allows for a fine of up to $25 and $100 in court costs.
Motorists whose inaction results in an accident, injury or death would face the increased penalty. If an emergency official is seriously injured or killed, offenders could get possible prison time and a six-month driver’s license revocation.
The bill has been forwarded to the Senate for further consideration. For bill status, call (919) 733-7779.

3/11/05-A bill before a House judiciary panel would toughen crimes and penalties for motorists who don’t slow down or move over for emergency vehicles.
Under HB288, motorists who fail to move to another lane when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle parked or standing by the side of a multilane road with flashing lights could be fined up to $250 and/or get four months in jail.
Current state law allows for a fine of up to $25 and $100 in court costs.
Motorists whose inaction results in an accident could be fined up to $500 and/or six months in jail. If an emergency worker is injured or killed, offenders could get as much as four years in prison, a $5,000 fine and a two-year license revocation.
Failure to pull over when an ambulance or police vehicle is approaching with lights and sirens also could result in a more severe penalty.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7779.