R.C.W. 46.61.210: Washington State's Move-Over Law Amended (06/20/10)

The Washington State Legislature has amended R.C.W. 46.61.210 (i.e., operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles) to read the following, in part:

The driver of any motor vehicle, upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is making use of audible and/or visual signals or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully displaying a flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency light or lights, shall:

(1) On a highway having at least four lanes, at least two of which are intended for traffic proceeding in the same direction as the approcahing vehicle, proceed with caution and, if reasonable, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change or moving away from the lane or shoulder occupied by the stationary authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle; or

(2) If changing lanes or moving away would be unreasonable or unsafe, proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle.

The penalty for violating this new law is $101.00.