Florida Class E Knowledge ExamFlorida Road RulesMedium

You are driving on a Florida roadway and encounter a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder of a two-lane road in the same direction of travel. What is your legal obligation?

  1. AChange lanes away from the emergency vehicle if safe to do so.
  2. BStop completely until the emergency vehicle proceeds.
  3. CIncrease your speed to quickly get past the emergency vehicle.
  4. DSlow down and pass with caution, maintaining your lane.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if safe to do so.

Florida's 'Move Over' Law requires drivers to move over a lane if safe to do so, or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit (or 5 mph if the limit is 20 mph or less) when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. This is incorrect; you are not required to stop completely, but to move over or slow down significantly.
  • C. This is illegal and dangerous, increasing the risk to emergency personnel.
  • D. While slowing is part of the law if a lane change isn't possible, changing lanes is the primary requirement.

Florida Move Over Law (Two-Lane Road)

On a two-lane road, when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, drivers must move over to the next adjacent lane if safe, or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.

  • Applies to law enforcement, emergency responders, tow trucks, utility vehicles.
  • If unable to move over, slow down by 20 mph (or to 5 mph if speed limit is 20 mph or less).
  • Failure to comply can result in fines and points.

Memory trick: Emergency Lights, Lane Shift Right.

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