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SB 1134

AN ACT CONCERNING FAILURE TO MOVE OVER FOR AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Cicarella and 4 co-sponsors

SB 1134 strengthens Connecticut's requirement that drivers move over and slow down for emergency vehicles, aiming to protect first responders working on roadways.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary
#emergencyvehicles #trafficviolations
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Bill Summary · SB 1134

Legislative bill overview

SB 1134 addresses the legal requirement for drivers to move over and slow down when approaching emergency vehicles operating with lights and sirens. The bill clarifies or strengthens Connecticut's existing "move over" law, which is designed to protect emergency responders working on roadsides. The specific provisions have not yet been publicly detailed in available legislative summaries.

Why is this important

Emergency responders face serious injury or death from passing vehicles while working on roadways. "Move over" laws are a critical safety measure that reduce accidents involving police, fire, and ambulance personnel. Connecticut's implementation of or amendment to this requirement directly affects public safety for both emergency workers and civilians.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement challenges: Questions about how police will identify and ticket drivers who fail to move over, particularly in heavy traffic or poor visibility conditions
  • Driver awareness and compliance: Whether penalties alone (fines or points) adequately incentivize behavior change, or if public education campaigns are needed
  • Definition ambiguity: Potential disagreement over what constitutes adequate "moving over"—does this apply to all lanes, only adjacent lanes, or vary by road type—and whether the law applies equally on highways versus residential roads

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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