Move over awareness month

Although the move over law came into effect over four years ago the Berlin Police Department is using September as move over*awareness month.

The law requires drivers to move over a lane to give stopped emergency vehicles and tow truck operators space.    

Violating the law comes with a fine of  $150 for first time offenders.

However during September, Berlin police officers will be giving out warnings and educational pamphlets to those who don’t move over Berlin police officials say.        

If you do catch yourself in an instance where you can’t move over, Berlin Police say the law understands that and you won’t be penalized.

“If you’re in a single lane we’re just asking, the law states that you need to slow down and then same applies if you’re in a dual lane that’s going the same direction and you can’t move over because there’s too much traffic or there’s car right next to you, just to slow down,” said Cpl. Michael O’Connor.

O’Connor says as of now he estimates fifty to sixty percent of people are complying with the law right now.    

He says he believes more police departments across Maryland should do an awareness month of their own to increase compliance.