Utah Traffic Law PSA

[Marc_C]

Since we're approaching ski visitation season, there's a relatively new Utah law to keep in mind if you're driving around the state. I knew about the law but was strongly reminded of it when I was pulled over on I-15 when heading to Bryce and Zion NPs in late September.

You are required to move at least one lane over (ie: away from) when you come up on a pulled-over patrol car, even if the patrol car is on the shoulder or in the break-down lane. The law was enacted after a number of LEOs were hit by passing vehicles. Last year alone, 24 officers were hit in some manner.

When I was pulled over, it was kind of blatant on my part, since I had passed not one but two patrol cars. I was in the right hand lane a little under the speed limit - the patrol cars were in the break-down lane. Fortunately, I was just given a warning since it was part of an awareness raising campaign, but once winter actually begins, they'll be ticketing for real.

The fine for failure to move over is $300.

 

[Patrick]

The fine for failure to move over is $300.

And then tasered if you question them about what you did wrong.
:mrgreen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYFhbxPeDro
:roll:

 

[jamesdeluxe]

Gotta love the red states.

 

[Geoff]

It's cheaper if you just rear end the cop car.

With all the real crime in the country, they're now going to be shaking down drivers for $300 and a moving violation on their insurance. I feel much safer now.

 

[Admin]

they're now going to be shaking down drivers

It's actually been a law here for years.

 

[Marc_C]

they're now going to be shaking down drivers

It's actually been a law here for years.

Since the 2005 General Session.
And Geoff, if you'd seen the news videos from the dash cams, you'd realize it's for the protection of the LEO's and not just a money-making shake down.

 

[Patrick]

they're now going to be shaking down drivers

It's actually been a law here for years.

I believe it's the law in many places, even in the red provinces (different meaning here), however I don't recall seeing any heavy crackdown. Maybe drivers in Ontario are more cautions than Marc C? :lol:

Gotta love the red states.

:mrgreen:

Here is something from a blue state. :mrgreen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUkiyBVytRQ

Geez, got to love all the non-ski related stuff that get posted on the TGR.... and I'm not talking about the porn. :shock: O

 

[Marc_C]

...however I don't recall seeing any heavy crackdown. Maybe drivers in Ontario are more cautions than Marc C?

Like I mentioned...
* I passed not one but two cruisers
* the UHP was running an awareness campaign that weekend.

 

[Bobby Danger]

republican rich place!

 

[q]

Having travelled throughout the western USA I had always thought this was the law everywhere? Pretty sure I have seen signs saying to move over for emergency vehicles and that it was state law.

 

[Marc_C]

Having travelled throughout the western USA I had always thought this was the law everywhere?

Not necessarily.

Pretty sure I have seen signs saying to move over for emergency vehicles and that it was state law.

Those signs usually mean to pull over to the side to let an emergency vehicle pass, as opposed to moving away from (giving a wider berth to) a stopped police vehicle on the side of the highway.

 

[hayduke]

i guess that i have always done this on uncrowded freeway,but i never knew that it was the law.

but a $300 fine when you havent hit anything is ridiculous.

and if its crowded,are you supposed to slam on your brakes to get over 1 lane?

 

[Marc_C]

and if its crowded,are you supposed to slam on your brakes to get over 1 lane?

From Utah uniform code #41-6a-904:

(2) The operator of a vehicle, upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, or red and blue lights, shall:
(a) reduce the speed of the vehicle;
(b) provide as much space as practical to the stationary authorized emergency vehicle; and
(c) if traveling in a lane adjacent to the stationary authorized emergency vehicle and if practical, with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle.

Like I mentioned, in my case...
* I passed not one but two cruisers, and traffic was light enough for me to have easily moved over.
* the UHP was running an awareness campaign that weekend.