KDSN RADIO News
Extra Enforcement Planned for Iowa’s Move Over Law
(DES MOINES, Iowa) The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is partnering with the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force and law enforcement agencies across Iowa for the second annual statewide Move Over enforcement project June 8–12, 2026.
Drivers can expect to see extra law enforcement on the roads watching for violations and educating motorists about the importance of yielding to all vehicles on the shoulder displaying flashing lights.
While Iowa’s Move Over Law has been in effect since 2002, there have been numerous fatalities in Iowa and across the country resulting from drivers failing to move over. Whether it is emergency responders, Highway Helpers, tow operators, or a fellow motorist, everyone needs space to stay safe.
The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office will be working traffic during this time frame.
Iowa’s Move Over Law requires motorists to change lanes or slow down if changing lanes is not possible when approaching a vehicle on the shoulder displaying flashing lights. This includes emergency vehicles, tow trucks, commercial trucks, and passenger vehicles with flashing lights or hazard lights illuminated.
Penalties for violating the law, Iowa Code 321.323A and Iowa Code 321.324, include a fine of $210.25 and can include suspension of driver’s license privileges ranging from 90 days to one year in cases involving property damage, bodily injury, or death.
If you see flashing lights on the side of the road, it does not matter the color — move over.
By enforcing this law, the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force and Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau hope to save lives and increase safety on Iowa roads.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa roads using federally funded grants.
