Quick Summary:
- Move one lane away from stopped emergency or tow vehicles when safe.
- If you cannot move over, slow down and pass cautiously.
- Check mirrors early, signal, then change lanes smoothly, no sudden braking.
- Avoid texting, last second swerves, and unsafe speed near the shoulder.
If you are driving in California on car hire, you will almost certainly see flashing lights on the shoulder sooner or later. The state’s Move Over law is designed to protect police officers, paramedics, tow operators, highway workers, and stranded drivers working just inches from fast moving traffic. It is also a common source of tickets for visitors because the rule is simple in theory but easy to misapply in heavy freeway conditions.
This guide explains what the Move Over law requires in California, how to comply on multi lane roads, and the practical steps that keep you safe and reduce the chance of being stopped. It focuses on the real world decisions you make at 65 mph, not legal jargon.
What California’s Move Over law means on freeways
In practical terms, when you approach a stopped authorised emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder, you must move over one lane away from it if it is safe and legal to do so. If you cannot move over safely, you must slow down to a safe and reasonable speed while passing, giving as much space as possible.
The law applies on multi lane highways and also on many surface roads with two or more lanes in the same direction. It is not limited to police cars. In California you should treat the following as Move Over situations when they are stopped with warning lights: police vehicles, ambulances, fire engines, Caltrans and other highway maintenance vehicles, tow trucks, and other authorised vehicles that display amber, red, or blue warning lights.
On some stretches you may also see flares, reflective triangles, or a disabled vehicle with hazards on. Even when the law does not strictly require a lane change for a private car, the safe approach is the same: create space and reduce speed.
Why this matters for car hire drivers in California
When you are new to California driving, freeway speeds, wide multi lane layouts, and different signalling habits can make lane changes feel rushed. Many visitors also rely heavily on sat nav, which can reduce your scanning for hazards on the shoulder. Because the Move Over requirement is enforced, a moment of hesitation or a late swerve can lead to an unsafe pass or a citation.
If your trip starts at a major airport, you might be on a busy multi lane freeway within minutes of collecting keys. For example, travellers picking up from car hire at Los Angeles LAX will likely use the I 405 or I 105 quickly, where shoulder stops are frequent. Likewise, routes out of San Diego airport car rental can put you on the I 5 or I 8, which often have roadside assistance and traffic stops.
Spot the situation early: the scanning routine
The biggest safety advantage is time. If you identify the stopped vehicle early, you can plan a clean, predictable lane change instead of a sharp move that surprises drivers behind you.
Use this scanning routine whenever you see flashing lights ahead, even faintly:
1) Look far ahead, then mid distance, then shoulder. Flashing lights can blend into daytime glare. Train yourself to check the shoulder as you would for a merging on ramp.
2) Check your mirrors immediately. Do not wait until you are next to the stopped vehicle. A quick mirror check tells you whether a lane change is feasible and how much closing speed the vehicle behind you has.
3) Identify which lane gives the most space. Typically that means moving one lane left, away from the right shoulder. If the stopped vehicle is on a left shoulder or median, you may need to move right.
4) Expect secondary hazards. A patrol car may have a second vehicle stopped ahead, a tow truck may be angled partly into the lane, or a worker may step out unexpectedly.
Practical Move Over checklist for multi lane freeways
Use this step by step checklist every time you approach a stopped emergency or tow vehicle on a freeway in California.
Step 1: Decide early whether you can safely move over. If there is a clear gap in the adjacent lane and you can change lanes without forcing another driver to brake hard, plan to move over. If traffic is dense, accept that you may not be able to change lanes, and focus on slowing smoothly.
Step 2: Signal before you move. Signalling is not optional. It communicates intent and reduces the risk of a side swipe. Signal for long enough that other drivers can react, not just a quick flick as you turn the wheel.
Step 3: Mirror, shoulder check, then move gradually. In California, many drivers move quickly through lanes. A last second check over your shoulder helps you catch a vehicle in your blind spot, including motorbikes lane splitting where legal.
Step 4: Maintain a steady, safe speed during the lane change. A common mistake is braking hard while also changing lanes. That can cause a chain reaction behind you. If you need to slow, do it gently before the lane change, or after you are established in the new lane, depending on traffic flow.
Step 5: Give extra buffer space as you pass. Even one lane over, keep a comfortable lateral and longitudinal gap. People may be standing outside their vehicles or leaning into a boot. Debris, cones, or open doors can extend into the lane.
Step 6: Return to your original lane only when fully clear. Do not cut back immediately after passing. Wait until you can see the stopped vehicle well behind you in your mirror, then signal and move back when safe.
If you cannot move over, how much should you slow down?
California’s requirement is to slow to a safe and reasonable speed when a lane change is not possible. There is not one fixed number that fits every situation because traffic, weather, visibility, and road width matter.
Use this practical approach:
Start easing off the accelerator as soon as you realise you cannot move over. Coasting early is smoother than braking late.
Aim to be noticeably slower than the flow of traffic next to the stopped vehicle. The goal is to reduce wind blast and give yourself time to react if someone steps out, a door opens, or the stopped vehicle pulls away.
Keep a larger following distance than usual. Drivers in front may brake suddenly when they spot the lights late. If you are following closely, you will be forced into harsh braking or an unsafe swerve.
Do not stop in a live lane unless traffic is already stopping. Slowing does not mean coming to a halt on a high speed freeway, which can create a rear end collision risk.
Common pitfalls that trigger tickets or near misses
Move Over violations often happen because the driver did one reasonable thing but missed another. These are the situations that most often lead to a stop, a citation, or a dangerous moment.
Waiting too long to signal or change lanes. If you start the lane change only when you are almost alongside the stopped vehicle, it looks careless and can be unsafe. Plan earlier.
Assuming hazards lights on a stopped truck mean “not my problem”. Tow trucks and roadside assistance vehicles often use amber lights. Treat them the same, create space and slow down.
Speeding past because you “moved over”. Moving one lane away is required when safe, but blasting through at full speed can still be unsafe if workers are close to traffic or debris is present. Adjust speed to conditions.
Cutting across multiple lanes at once. Some drivers dart from the fast lane to the far side and back. Make one deliberate lane change, then reassess.
Following the car in front too closely. Tailgating removes your options. If the lead driver brakes late, you may be forced to swerve.
Distracted driving while approaching flashing lights. Looking down at a phone or sat nav for even two seconds can be the difference between a smooth move over and a panic manoeuvre.
How to handle tricky freeway scenarios
Heavy traffic with no gaps. Keep your lane, signal if a gap may open, and slow progressively. If a safe gap appears, move over, but do not force it.
Multiple stopped vehicles. Sometimes there is an incident scene with several vehicles and cones. Move over earlier than usual, slow more than you think you need, and be ready for lane closures or people walking near lanes.
Left shoulder stops on carpool lanes. If the emergency vehicle is on the left shoulder and you are in the far left lane, you should move right one lane when safe, even though that feels counterintuitive for many visitors.
Night driving and glare. Flashing lights can obscure the outline of people on the shoulder. Slow earlier, and avoid high beam if it worsens glare for others.
Rain or low visibility. Wet roads increase stopping distances. Begin slowing sooner, avoid abrupt steering, and be extra cautious about changing lanes where standing water could cause loss of grip.
Car hire basics that make Move Over compliance easier
If you are in unfamiliar car hire, take a minute before you set off to reduce stress later. Confirm where the indicators are, adjust mirrors properly, and ensure the windscreen is clean inside and out. Good mirror positioning reduces blind spots, which matters when you are trying to move over smoothly at speed.
Also, learn the feel of the brakes and acceleration during the first few miles, so you can slow progressively without over braking. If you are travelling with family or lots of luggage, a larger vehicle can change your comfort level in tight lane changes. Travellers choosing an SUV from SUV hire in San Diego or a people carrier from minivan rental in Santa Ana should account for a longer length and different blind spots.
If you are collecting a vehicle around Sacramento and heading straight to the freeways, it can help to plan a calmer first route from car hire at Sacramento airport, avoiding complex interchanges until you are comfortable with the car.
What to do if you are stopped for a Move Over violation
If you are pulled over, stay calm and prioritise safety. Signal, move to a safe location, and stop well away from traffic if possible. Keep your hands visible, wait for instructions, and explain briefly what you saw and what you attempted to do. If you were unable to move over due to traffic, say so, and describe how you reduced speed. Do not argue on the roadside.
If you are on car hire, check your rental agreement for how citations are handled. Many companies will charge an admin fee if they receive a ticket notice, separate from the fine itself. The best approach is prevention: early scanning, clear signalling, and smooth speed adjustments.
FAQ
What vehicles are covered by California’s Move Over law? It commonly covers police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, and authorised highway service vehicles stopped with flashing warning lights. When in doubt, give space and slow down.
Do I always have to change lanes when I see flashing lights? You must move over one lane away when it is safe and legal. If traffic or road conditions make that unsafe, you must slow to a safe and reasonable speed while passing.
How early should I start preparing to move over? As soon as you notice flashing lights ahead. Early mirror checks and signalling give you time to find a safe gap, rather than swerving at the last moment.
Can I be ticketed even if I moved over? Yes, if the manoeuvre was unsafe, abrupt, or you passed at an unreasonable speed for the conditions. The key is a safe lane change and a cautious pass.
What if the stopped vehicle is on the left shoulder? Move one lane to the right when safe, and slow down if you cannot. The principle is always to create a buffer lane between you and the stopped vehicle.
