3/28/08-The House Environmental Matters Committee was designed to protect emergency personnel during roadside stops.
Sponsored by Sen. Nancy Jacobs, R-Harford, SB454 would have required drivers to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed before passing emergency vehicles parked by the road with their lights flashing.
Dubbed the “Move Over Act,” Conaway’s bill would have required drivers to merge into a lane farther away from emergency vehicles, if practical. On two-lane highways, drivers would have been required to slow to a speed “that is sufficient to ensure the safety” of emergency personnel, including police.
Failure to obey the rule would have resulted in $75 fines.
Two identical bills – HB131 and HB255 – also died.

2/14/08-A bill in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is designed to protect emergency personnel during roadside stops.
Sponsored by Sen. Nancy Jacobs, R-Harford, SB454 would require drivers to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed before passing emergency vehicles parked by the road with their lights flashing.
Dubbed the “Move Over Act,” the bill would require drivers to merge into a lane further away from emergency vehicles, if practical. On two-lane highways, drivers would be required to slow to a speed “that is sufficient to ensure the safety” of emergency personnel, including police.
Failure to obey the rule would result in $75 fines.
For bill status, call (410) 946-5400.
Two identical bills – HB131 and HB255 – are in the House Environmental Affairs Committee.