Florida Move Over Act Now Protects Utility Vehicles

2014-07-01

Jacksonville, FL - Utility crews are now protected by the Florida Move Over Act, as they work on the side of roads and highways.

Effective July 1, the Act is amended to include utility service vehicles and sanitation vehicles to the list of public safety vehicles motorists must already slow down or move over for to protect personnel. The amended language was written by Florida Rep. Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) and Sen. Greg Evers (R-Pensacola) and passed as part of a larger omnibus transportation package (HB 7005), spearheaded by Rep. Daniel Davis (R-Jacksonville).

Under the new law, motorists are required to: 

• Approach law enforcement patrol cars, emergency vehicles, utility service vehicles, sanitation vehicles, and tow trucks/wreckers with caution.
• Change lanes away from these vehicles if traveling on a multi-lane roadway and able to move over safely; or
• Slow down to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit, when a clearly identified emergency or work-crew vehicle is parked and crews are working.

Violating the Move Over Act can result in a fine and points on your license.

“Safety is a priority at JEA,” said Paul McElroy, JEA CEO and managing director. “This new law will help JEA workers restore service both safely and efficiently. JEA joins all utilities in our appreciation to Rep. Raschein, Rep. Davis, Sen. Evers and the Florida Legislature for passing this important legislation that will reduce accidents and save lives.”

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers more information on the law online on their website.

JEA is the seventh-largest community-owned electric utility in the United States and one of the largest water and sewer utilities in the nation providing electric, water and sewer service to residents and businesses in northeast Florida.

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