The Move Over Montana law, enacted in 2005 and codified under Montana Code Annotated § 61-8-363, requires drivers to move over one lane or slow down when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, or utility service vehicles with flashing lights activated. This is Montana's version of the national "Move Over" movement, aimed at protecting roadside workers and first responders from high-speed collisions.
Slow Down
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Move Over
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Save A Life
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Slow Down - Move Over - Save A Life -
What should you do?
When you see flashing lights on the shoulder:
If you have multiple lanes:
Move over one full lane to the left (or away from the stopped vehicle) at a safe speed.
If you only have one lane (e.g., two-lane roads common in Montana):
Slow down substantially (to at least half the posted speed limit or 30 mph below the posted speed limit) and proceed with caution.
Give as much space as possible.
Additional rules:
Maintain a safe distance (ideally 100 feet or more).
Do not stop or rubberneck, keep moving smoothly.
Obey all traffic signals and signs and emergency personnel.
Who does this apply to?
Applies to: Emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulances), tow trucks, highway maintenance crews, utility trucks, and similar vehicles with active warning lights.
Penalties: First violation is a civil infraction with fines up to $200. Repeat offenses can lead to higher fines (up to $10,000) and/or imprisonmentfor 1 year.
Why it exists: Montana sees dozens of such incidents yearly, often involving distracted drivers.
What you should know
Drivers should know that Montana’s Move Over Law is designed to protect first responders and roadside workers, and it applies every time you approach a stopped emergency or service vehicle with flashing lights. When you see emergency vehicles, tow trucks, law enforcement, fire apparatus, EMS, maintenance, or utility vehicles stopped on the roadway with lights activated, you are required to move over into the next lane if it is safe to do so. If changing lanes isn’t possible, you must slow down to a safe speed below the posted limit and proceed with caution. The law exists because traffic incidents are one of the most dangerous situations for responders, and even a small reduction in speed or a lane change can save lives. Failing to comply can result in fines and penalties, but more importantly, it puts human lives at risk. Slowing down and moving over isn’t just the law in Montana, it’s a responsibility every driver shares.
2026
Move Over Montana
The Move Over Montana Project →
“Moving over and slowing down isn’t an inconvenience; it’s a moment of respect that protects the lives of those who protect us.”
Resources
Move Over Montana provides a variety of easy-to-use resources to help spread awareness of the Move Over law and promote safer driving habits. These include educational posters, shareable social media graphics, and clear, straightforward information explaining when and how drivers are required to slow down and move over. Designed for schools, businesses, community groups, and first responder agencies, these resources make it simple to share the message, start conversations, and reinforce the importance of protecting those working on or near Montana’s roadways.