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H 3816

An Act relative to the "Move Over Law"

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 19 co-sponsors

H 3816 updates Massachusetts' Move Over Law requirements for drivers encountering stopped emergency vehicles, likely expanding protections and clarifying driver obligations.

Accompanied H3675
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3816

Legislative bill overview

H 3816 proposes modifications to Massachusetts' "Move Over Law," which requires drivers to change lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles or move over safely when approaching them. The bill aims to update existing statutes governing driver obligations when encountering emergency responders on roadways.

Why is this important

Emergency responder safety is a critical public safety concern, as roadside incidents involving stopped vehicles pose significant risks to police officers, firefighters, and other first responders. Clarifying or strengthening move-over requirements can reduce accidents and fatalities in these vulnerable situations, while also affecting driver compliance and potential penalties.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of applicability: Unclear whether the bill expands the law to cover additional vehicle types (tow trucks, utility vehicles, etc.) beyond traditional emergency responders, which could affect implementation and driver awareness
  • Penalty structure: Questions about whether the bill increases fines or creates new violations, potentially making non-compliance more costly for drivers
  • Practical enforcement challenges: Ambiguity around how police will enforce expanded move-over requirements, particularly in heavy traffic or poor visibility conditions

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

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