4/18/08-A bill has died that sought to require drivers to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when approaching stationary emergency vehicles that are by the roadside with their lights flashing.
Sponsored by Rep. J. Todd Rutherford, D-Columbia, H4307 missed a deadline to advance, effectively killing it for the year.
Dubbed the “Move Over” bill, it was designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.
Drivers would have been required to merge into a lane further away from an emergency vehicle. If it’s not possible to move over one lane, drivers would have been required to reduce speed before passing the vehicle.
Failure to obey the rule would have resulted in four points being assessed against a driver’s record.

12/10/07-Rep. J. Todd Rutherford, D-Columbia, has filed legislation for consideration during the 2008 regular session that would require drivers to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when approaching stationary emergency vehicles that are by the roadside with their lights flashing.
Dubbed the “Move Over” bill, it is designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.
Drivers would be required to merge into a lane further away from an emergency vehicle. If it’s not possible to move over one lane, drivers would be required to reduce speed before passing the vehicle.
Failure to obey the rule would result in four points being assessed against a driver’s record.
H4307 is in the House Education and Public Works Committee awaiting consideration during the session that begins Jan. 8.
For House bill status, call (803) 734-2010.