Moving Over For Stopped Vehicles
Minn. Stat. 169.18, subd. 11 — the far lane, a full lane vacant on bigger roads, or slow down
In Minnesota, before passing an authorized vehicle with its emergency, flashing or warning lights on that is stopped on or next to the road, a driver moves over if it is possible to do so. Authorized vehicles include emergency vehicles, tow trucks, freeway service patrol, road maintenance, utility, construction, postal service, garbage and recycling vehicles.
| Lanes going the driver's way | What the driver does |
|---|---|
| Lanes going the driver's wayTwo | What the driver doesMoves to the lane farthest from the stopped vehicle |
| Lanes going the driver's wayMore than two | What the driver doesLeaves a full lane vacant between the driver and the stopped vehicle |
| Lanes going the driver's wayOne, or a lane change is impossible | What the driver doesSlows to a reasonable and prudent speed until completely past |
An officer may issue a citation within the four-hour period after the incident ends even without seeing the violation, and a timely report from an emergency or tow crew member describing the vehicle and its plate is enough probable cause.
Sources for this section (1)
- Minn. Stat. 169.18 — Driving rules
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Minnesota attorney.