LAS VEGAS -- Drivers are being warned to keep their distance when it comes to passing an emergency vehicle pulled over to the side of the road.
The Nevada Highway Patrol is stepping up its enforcement of the so-called move over law and ticketing drivers. The law requires motorists to move over and change lanes to give safe clearance to law enforcement officers. The law is designed to keep officers safe as they work on the side of a road.
"It's scary," said NHP trooper Nathan Peterson. "I've been dusted by debris. You can feel the wind a lot of times."
At the California-Nevada state line, there is a jumbo electronic sign warning drivers they are entering a zero tolerance zone. Drivers are warned to "move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles."
Those who don't, face a ticket. The cost can be expensive. It is punishable by a fine of $395.
"Hi there. OK, this is why I got you stopped," trooper Peterson explains to a driver. "I've got you stopped for not moving over. You're required to by law. We've even got signs back here that indicate you need to move over."
NHP wrote more than 1,700 traffic tickets between St. Rose Parkway and Primm in the month of January. Chances of getting a warning are slim.
"There's no way you can give me warning?" the driver asks. "I can't on this one, not today," said trooper Peterson.
Authorities hope changing lanes will help protect officers. NHP recommends if a driver can't move over safely, then slow down.
