Kentucky’s ‘Move Over’ Law Could Cost You $500 and 30 Days in Jail

I'll never forget the time I was just outside of Nashville when a Tennessee state trooper pulled me over for not "moving over." I'd come around a bend, couldn't see around the box truck in front of me, and opted to pass it. As soon as I did, there was the trooper; he'd pulled someone over and was wrapping up. Rotten timing on my part, right?

Kentucky's 'Move Over' Law

He asked me if we had any "move over, slow down" laws in Kentucky, and I told him that we didn't, which was true at the time. But I have always slowed down or moved over for cops. It was just happenstance that I couldn't see him in time. The officer issued me a warning.

Well, Kentucky has a "Move Over" law. It was enacted in July of 2024, and you can read it here. The title of the law is self-explanatory. When an officer is performing their duties, give them a wide berth or slow down if you can't.

Trust me, I've seen plenty of drivers do neither, and it's infuriating...and dangerous.

$500 Fine for Ignoring the 'Move Over' Law

In February of 2025, Kentucky State Police were part of a joint task force alongside authorities from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. The joint effort was established to reduce impaired driving and speeding and to promote seat belt usage. Along the way, in addition to multiple others, more than 1,100 "move-over" citations were issued.

Just move over or slow down. It will save you $500 because that's the fine if you're not issued a warning. Plus, there's the matter of spending up to 30 days in jail. In light of what we've seen, maybe it's time to click that "here" link and read that law again.