Louisiana State Police to enforce move over law this week

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Louisiana State Police are increasing patrols this week in an effort to protect first responders on the roadside. Troop F will take part in a special enforcement day this Wednesday, focusing on drivers who fail to follow the state’s Move Over Law.

The law requires drivers to slow down and change lanes—if they can safely do so—when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or police with flashing lights. Troopers say the effort is about preventing tragedy and ensuring roadside workers are protected.

“This effort started with Texas DPS after two of their officers were killed in crashes. They wanted to make a positive impact across the region, including Louisiana,” said Ryan Davis with LSP Troop F.

Davis explained that when drivers see emergency lights, they’re expected to react appropriately.

“If you see a first responder on the shoulder with lights and sirens or lights and or sirens on, you’re to move as far away from that vehicle as you can,” he said. “So for example, in the Interstate you have the right and left lane and they’re on the right. Order. If you can safely do so, you’re to move to the left lane. Slower speed and drive more cautiously.”

Davis said inexperience and panic are often factors in drivers not following the law, but some simply don’t take the safety of others seriously.

“There are some people that just don’t have due regard for the safety of others, and those are the ones that we’re going to try to target,” he said. “Will be education based. But there will be some citations issued, right?”

The enforcement effort will focus on highways throughout northeast Louisiana in Troops F, E, and G. Troopers are reminding drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions, and give first responders the space they need to do their jobs safely.

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