Is Iowa’s “Move Over Law” Really Enough to Keep You Safe?

We've all heard of the "Move Over Law" but is the penalty enough to keep drivers accountable? As recent events have shown, the consequences of ignoring this law can be devastating.

You may have heard about the bad accident the other morning on I-80 near Bettendorf, Iowa.  Apparently, a bus broke down and was getting help from a tow truck when a Jeep Patriot hit the tow operator who was outside the vehicle. Unfortunately, the tow operator passed away, which is just heartbreaking.

The Iowa State Patrol is still trying to figure out what happened, but it looks like charges are pending.

A Brief History of Iowa's "Move Over Law"

The "Move Over Law" was enacted in 2002 in Iowa as a way to protect responders and motorists who are stopped on the side of the road. Originally, the law only applied to emergency vehicles with flashing lights. However, in 2018, the law was expanded to include any vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights, such as tow trucks, utility company vehicles, and even passenger cars.

What are the Penalties for Violating the "Move Over Law"

The consequences for violating Iowa's "Move Over Law" seem strangely not very severe at all. A violation result in fines of up to $1,000, and can also lead to a suspension of your driver's license for a year.

Many would argue that this punishment is not enough for such a serious offense.

The Need for Stronger Penalties for Violating Iowa's "Move Over Law"

Ultimately, the goal of the "Move Over Law" is to keep everyone safe on the roads, and it's up to all drivers to take responsibility for their actions. By implementing stronger penalties, Iowa can send a clear message that ignoring this law will not be tolerated, and the consequences will be severe. By doing so, we can help prevent future tragedies.