Police Remind Motorists to Move Over for First Responder Safety

Hawai‘i Island police are reminding motorists to drive with caution and move over when they see emergency vehicles on our island roadways. It’s not just public courtesy, it’s also the law. The “Move Over Law” 291C-27, was put in effect to help protect first responders when they are performing their duties near or on a roadway.

The “Move Over Law” requires motorists to slow down to a prudent speed, or if safe, make a lane change into the adjacent lane of travel when approaching an emergency vehicle with its emergency lights flashing.

An “emergency vehicle” means a:

• Police or Fire department vehicle
• Ocean Safety vehicle
• Emergency Medical Services vehicle
• Freeway Service patrol vehicle
• Department of Public Safety Sheriff Division vehicle
• Hawaiʻi emergency management agency vehicle
• County emergency management vehicle, including Civil Defense vehicle
• Department of Transportation Harbors Division vehicle
• Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement vehicle
• tow truck

In the past month, two officers were struck in their subsidized vehicles by motorists who were not paying attention and not moving over or providing officers with ample room on the road shoulder. Fortunately, the officers were not seriously injured.

The Hawai‘i Police Department wants everyone to know we are proud of our officers and the work they do. We want them to go home safe at the end of each shift. They will be out in full force and you will see many of them making traffic stops for things such as speeding, seat belt, distracted driving, and DUI enforcement. The “Move Over Law” is important all year round. Please slow down when you see an emergency vehicle and move over if it’s safe to do so.