West Virginia drivers could now face 60 days in jail if they don't slow down and move over

Some updated West Virginia road rules now come with jail time – the state making major changes to its Slow Down Move Over laws.

Starting July 11, if you don’t slow down or move over for a stranded vehicle on the side of the road, you could be hit with $500 fine, or up to 60 days behind bars.

And we’re not just talking about police cars anymore – this rule applies to anyone and everyone.

It’s one of the toughest versions of the law anywhere in the country – and it’s all about saving lives.

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What the new Slow Down Move Over laws actually mean for drivers for West Virginia

The Slow Down Move Over laws aren’t new.

But West Virginia’s updates have made them some of the strictest in the nation.

For years, this West Virginia road rule only applied to emergency vehicles.

But starting July 11, drivers must slow down or change lanes for any vehicle stopped roadside – so long as it has visible warning signals like hazard lights, flares, or reflective triangles.

The new rule says that if you can safely move out of the lane closest to the stopped vehicle, you must. If you can’t, you’ve got to significantly reduce your speed.

Ignore it, and you could be hit with a $500 fine. Or spend up to 60 days in jail, even on a first offense.

AAA and law enforcement back the move, citing the nearly 1,900 people hit while outside their out-of-action vehicles between 2017 and 2021.

And in 2024, the FBI says traffic crashes were the number one cause of death for police officers – another reason this Slow Down Move Over law update is critical.

Why these rules are about more than just a traffic fine

These West Virginia road rules aren’t just about avoiding a ticket – they’re about protecting everyone on the side of the road.

That includes emergency responders, road workers, tow truck drivers, and everyday motorists stuck with a flat tire or breakdown.

AAA praised lawmakers and the Governor for expanding these protections beyond emergency responders, calling it a ‘critical piece of legislation’ to safeguard all road users.

The updated law also puts the onus on both parties – drivers must take caution, and anyone pulled over needs to activate hazard lights or set up warning signals for the rule to apply.

Once those lights are flashing, though, this isn’t just a courtesy – it’s the law.

Break it, and you could be swapping your driver’s seat for a jail cell.

By expanding its scope and standardizing punishment, these West Virginia road rules are now some of the toughest in the country. 

And it could inspire other states to follow.

Some of the images used for this article were generated using AI

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