Moving Over For Stopped Emergency Vehicles
MCL 257.653a — a lane or 2 vehicle widths away, and at least 10 below the limit
In Michigan, a driver approaching and passing a stationary emergency vehicle showing flashing, rotating or oscillating red, blue, white or amber lights exhibits due care and caution, unless a police officer directs otherwise.
| The road | What the driver does |
|---|---|
| The roadAt least 2 lanes going the same way | What the driver doesSlows by at least 10 miles per hour below the limit and moves at least 1 lane or 2 vehicle widths away |
| The roadFewer lanes, or moving over is not possible | What the driver doesProceeds with due care and slows by at least 10 miles per hour below the limit |
| The result | The penalty |
|---|---|
| The resultInjury to a police officer, firefighter or other responder nearby | The penaltyA felony: up to 2 years, a fine of up to $1,000, or both |
| The resultDeath of such a responder | The penaltyA felony: up to 15 years, a fine of up to $7,500, or both |
For an ordinary violation, the section prints both a misdemeanor of up to $500 and 90 days and a civil infraction with a civil fine of $400, the second beginning 60 days after the amending act took effect. The rule does not apply to an emergency vehicle stopped across a divided highway's dividing space or barrier.
Sources for this section (1)
- MCL 257.653a — Approaching stationary emergency or service vehicle
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Michigan attorney.