Houghtaling and Downey Bill Imposing Points on License for Violation of “Move Over Law” Clears Assembly Panel

(TRENTON) – To better protect law enforcement officers in the line of duty, Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey are sponsoring legislation to revise the penalties associated with violations of New Jersey’s “Move Over Law.” The bill was advanced out of the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee Monday.

“Violators of the move over law are putting officers at serious risk of injury or death, and they must understand that the severity of their actions,” said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth). “This bill shows how seriously we take the safety of our state’s brave police officers and will create more awareness for the current Move Over Law.”

The bill (A-3890) would require two motor vehicle points to be assessed when a driver fails to abide by the “Move Over Law,” which requires them to reduce the speed of their vehicle and change lanes when approaching an authorized emergency vehicle, tow or highway maintenance truck, or emergency or sanitation service vehicle that has their flashing, blinking or alternating emergency lights on.

“We want to do everything we can to protect our state’s law enforcement officers,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). By penalizing individuals who violate the state’s “Move Over Law” with points, they will understand that this is not an issue we in New Jersey take lightly.”

Currently, violators of the “Move Over Law” are subject to a fine between $100 and $500.

The “Move Over Law” was established in response to the tragic death of Marc Castellano who was struck and killed in the line of duty by a driver who failed to move over for his service vehicle.