Kentucky’s ‘Move Over’ Law and What Drivers Still Get Wrong

You don't have to tell me twice. Or maybe I should say, "You don't have to pull me over twice." I'm referring to an incident that happened nearly 20 years ago in Tennessee, but I've never forgotten and that's a good thing. It's also a safe and money-saving thing, too.

Driving toward Nashville on Interstate 65 and coming off that downgrade just before you get to Goodlettsville, it was raining and I was in the left lane. The van in front of me was going much slower than I and much slower than one should in the fast lane. I pulled around him into the right lane at the very moment there was a state trooper dealing with a motorist on the shoulder. I hit the brakes, but he was right there, and as soon as he was finished, he came after me.

READ MORE: How KY Law Weighs In Regarding Stopping for Funeral Processions

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. At the time, that was true. But I have always slowed down or moved over for cops. It was just a weird circumstance that I couldn't see him in time.

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 his or her duties, give them a wide berth or slow it way down if you can't.

Get our free mobile app

Just the other day, on the Owensboro bypass, I saw a driver do neither. I didn't stick around long enough to see if the sheriff's deputy went after him to give him a ticket. I was on the bypass, after all. But the officer was well within his rights to do just that.

$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.