Moving Over For Stopped Vehicles
G.S. 20-157 — a lane away from a vehicle within 12 feet showing its lights, or slow and ready to stop
In North Carolina, when an emergency vehicle or a public service vehicle is parked or standing within 12 feet of a roadway with a warning light on, every approaching driver, as soon as it is safe and unless someone lawfully directing traffic says otherwise, does one of two things.
- On a road with at least two lanes going the driver's way, and where it can be done safely, moves out of the lane nearest the vehicle and stays out until clear.
- On a one lane road, or where a lane change is not safe, slows to a safe speed and is prepared to stop until past the vehicle.
A public service vehicle includes one helping with wrecked or disabled vehicles, restoring utility service, collecting refuse or recycling, or a highway maintenance vehicle with an amber light.
| The result | The offense |
|---|---|
| The resultA violation | The offenseAn infraction with a fine of $250 |
| The resultProperty damage over $500, or injury to an emergency or public service worker | The offenseClass 1 misdemeanor |
| The resultSerious injury or death to such a worker | The offenseClass F felony, and the license may be suspended for up to six months |
Sources for this section (1)
- G.S. 20-157 — Approach of law enforcement, fire department or rescue squad vehicles or ambulances
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Carolina attorney.