June 3, 2025

Arkansas State Police (ASP) is reminding motorists who violate the state’s Move Over Law that consequences could be costly and, in some cases, deadly.

“When you see flashing lights, move over or slow down. This is the law and a responsibility we all share,” said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. “The brave men and women who respond to emergencies and work on our highways deserve our full attention and awareness to ensure their safety — and yours.”

Violators of Arkansas’s Move Over Law may face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, possible jail time, and the potential loss of their driver’s license.

In Arkansas, the Move Over Law requires drivers to move over not only for emergency vehicles but also for vehicles operated by the Arkansas Department of Transportation, utility vehicles, tow trucks, and other authorized vehicles displaying flashing, revolving, or rotating lights in blue, red, amber, white, or green.

When approaching an authorized vehicle that is stopped or parked on a street, road, highway, or shoulder, drivers must move to the farthest lane or position away from the authorized vehicle. They should remain in that lane until they have safely passed the authorized vehicle while exercising caution.

If changing lanes is unsafe or impossible, the driver should reduce their speed according to the conditions of the street, road, or highway where the authorized vehicle is stopped or parked.

ASP partnered with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Louisiana State Police, New Mexico State Police, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol on May 14 to conduct a one-day, multi-state enhanced enforcement operation.

ASP Troopers and neighboring law enforcement agencies focused on drivers who violated the “Move Over” and “Slow Down” laws in their respective states.

During the 12-hour operation, ASP Troopers, alongside law enforcement officers from all five states, stopped over 7,687 vehicles, pulling over a total of 1,326 drivers for “Move Over” and “Slow Down” violations, which resulted in 1,013 warnings and 580 citations.

Troopers and law enforcement officers identified and issued citations for more than 642 instances of speeding, assisted motorists in need on 114 occasions, issued 79 citations for seatbelt violations, and executed 33 warrants. The initiative also resulted in the successful apprehension of seven individuals.