If you drive on I-94, I-696, M-59, or any other major road in Macomb County, you have likely passed a police vehicle, tow truck, or ambulance stopped on the shoulder with its lights flashing. What you may not know is that Michigan law requires a specific response from you in that moment — and failing to comply carries real consequences.

What The Law Requires

Michigan’s Move Over Law is codified at MCL 257.653a. Under the statute, when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying flashing, rotating, or oscillating red, blue, white, or amber lights, drivers must do the following:

On any road with at least two adjacent lanes proceeding in the same direction as the stopped vehicle, a driver must reduce speed by at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and move into a lane at least one moving lane or two vehicle widths away from the stopped vehicle — unless directed otherwise by a police officer. If a lane change is not possible due to weather, road conditions, or traffic, the driver must instead reduce speed by at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and proceed with due care and caution.

On roads without two adjacent lanes in the same direction, drivers must reduce speed by at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and proceed with due care and caution.

Who The Law Covers

The statute applies to “authorized emergency vehicles” giving a visual signal. This includes police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency responders displaying the permitted lights described in the law. Drivers are not required to move over for a vehicle stopped on the opposite side of a divided highway, per MCL 257.653a(5).

Penalties For Violations

Under MCL 257.653a(2), a standard violation is a civil infraction carrying a $400 fine. The penalties increase significantly if the violation causes harm. Under subsection (3), a violation that causes injury to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel in the immediate area of the stopped vehicle is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to two years in prison. Under subsection (4), a violation that causes the death of such a person is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $7,500 and up to 15 years in prison.

Why It Matters On Macomb County Roads

Crashes involving stopped emergency and service vehicles on the shoulder are a documented concern across Michigan. Earlier this year, a 27-year-old Waterford Township man was critically injured after striking a marked Oakland County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle with its emergency lights activated on M-59 in Rochester Hills. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard issued a public statement following that crash urging drivers to slow down and move over, calling such crashes “too common.”

On high-speed roads like I-94, I-696, and M-59 — where traffic moves at 70 miles per hour and emergency stops occur regularly — the time available to recognize and respond to a stopped vehicle is limited. The law’s 10 mph speed reduction requirement is a minimum, not a ceiling.

Legal Implications When A Driver Fails To Move Over

When a driver fails to comply with MCL 257.653a and a crash results, that violation may be relevant to a civil negligence claim by anyone injured. Whether and how a violation of the statute affects civil liability depends on the specific facts of the crash, and an attorney can evaluate those questions. If you were injured in a crash involving a driver who failed to move over for a stopped emergency vehicle in Macomb County, consulting with a Michigan personal injury attorney may help you understand what legal options may be available.

If you have questions about a crash on a Macomb County road, our team is here to help. We serve clients throughout Warren, Sterling Heights, Chesterfield Township, and the surrounding communities. To speak with a Michigan personal injury attorney, contact us today.

Source: MCL 257.653a, Michigan Vehicle Code