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Ohio Senate expands "move over" law to include vehicles in distress, citing public‑safety clarity
Summary
Senate passed Senate Bill 16 to require motorists to slow down and, where possible, change lanes when passing a stationary vehicle signaling distress (hazard lights, flares, cones). Sponsor said the change clarifies obligations and will save lives; the measure passed unanimously.
The Ohio Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 16 to expand existing "move over" requirements to include stationary vehicles that display distress signals, such as hazard lights, flares, reflectors or emergency signs.
Senator Wilson, the bill sponsor, said the change addresses confusion about which stationary vehicles currently require motorists to move over. "One of the beauties of this bill is it's very simple," he said, explaining that flashing lights or other distress indicators would trigger the duty to slow and, if possible, move over. The sponsor emphasized that the bill does not expand existing penalties; rather, it applies current statutory penalties for covered vehicle categories to the new "vehicle in distress" classification.
Leader Antonio voiced support, and the clerk recorded a roll call with the result announced as the bill being "passed and entitled." Supporters told the chamber the change will reduce accidents and provide clearer guidance for motorists and emergency responders; the Senate recorded the vote as 32 yeas, 0 nays.
