Moving Over
W. Va. Code § 17C-9-5 and W. Va. Code § 17C-14-9a — pull right for a siren, and change lanes or slow for flashing lights on the shoulder
When an emergency vehicle approaches with a flashing light and a siren, every other driver yields, pulls to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb, clear of any intersection, and stops until it has passed, unless a police officer directs otherwise.
- A stopped vehicle showing flashing red, blue, amber or yellow lights, hazard lights, flares or a reflective warning sign is approached with due caution.
- On a highway with at least two lanes going the same way, the driver changes to a lane not next to the stopped vehicle if that can be done safely.
- Where changing lanes is impossible or unsafe, the driver slows to a safe speed, not over 15 miles per hour on an undivided road and 25 miles per hour on a divided highway.
The penalty. A violation is a misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500, jail of not more than 60 days, or both, and the license is suspended for 90 days if there was property damage, six months if someone was hurt, and two years if someone died.
Doing this while driving impaired adds a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000, jail of not more than six months, or both. A particular charge is a question for a licensed West Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- W. Va. Code § 17C-9-5 — Operation of vehicles and streetcars on approach of authorized emergency vehicles
- W. Va. Code § 17C-14-9a — Approaching stationary vehicles; penalties
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed West Virginia attorney.