Reader Dick F. passed along an email that talks about a new law coming into effect in California on January 1, 2010. The law cited is called the “move over” law, and according to the email we Californians became the 48th state to enact this law. The basic idea behind the law is that if you see any kind of emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights, you're required to move over one lane (if it's possible), leaving an empty lane between you and the emergency vehicle. The email goes on to cite one man's experience with the law, claiming he got a $754 ticket, 3 points on his license, and had a mandatory court appearance.
With a little research on the web, I was able to sort the reality from the garbage in that email.
First, while there was a revision to the move over law this year, the law has actually been on the books and in effect since 2007. The revision this year simply removed the “sunset” provision in the original law that would have automatically taken the original law off the books on January 2, 2010.
Second, the fine – both in the original law and in the revision ” is limited to $50. There are no points on drivers licenses cited, and there is no mandatory court appearance.
You can read for yourself the actual law, a web site supporting the law, and the press release concerning the revised law.
Frankly I think ALL laws should sunset. A maximum 5 years. This way they get reviewed periodically. It will force focus on only the most important laws and it has the nice benefit of keeping our polititions busy.
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