Driving Tests

Arizona Move Over Law: Change Lanes or Slow Down, and the Fines

informational·how to guide·Published June 26, 2026

What must you do in Arizona when you pass a stationary vehicle with flashing or warning lights?

In Arizona, when you approach a stationary vehicle with flashing or warning lights, change lanes or slow down. On a highway with at least four lanes and two or more in your direction, move to a lane not next to it if possible and safe. If not, slow to a safe speed. The civil penalty is $275, then $500 and $1,000 for repeats within five years.

Where the Arizona Move Over rules come from

The rules are in Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) section 28-775. The Arizona Driver License Manual (revised March 2026) explains them for drivers and calls the rule the "Move Over Law". This guide is correct as of 2026. The law wins when the manual uses simpler words. Confirm the rules with the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division (azdot.gov/mvd) before you drive.

What the Arizona Move Over law says

Subsection E of A.R.S. 28-775 applies when you approach a stationary vehicle that shows "alternately flashing lights" or "warning lights". You must change lanes or slow down, and you proceed with due caution in both cases. The Arizona Driver License Manual calls this the Move Over Law. It says to move over one lane to give a safe margin of space, and to slow down and use caution when moving over is not safe or possible.
The law asks for a lane change only "if possible, with due regard to safety and traffic conditions", into a lane that is not next to the stationary vehicle.

Change lanes or slow down: which one applies to you?

The highway has at least four lanes, with at least two lanes going your way, and a lane change is possible and safe

Proceed with due caution and move into a lane that is not next to the stationary vehicle. This is the lane change option in A.R.S. 28-775(E)(1). Try the practice question on moving over for a stopped vehicle.

A lane change is impossible or unsafe, for example because of traffic beside you

Proceed with due caution, reduce your speed and keep a safe speed for the road conditions. This is the slow-down option in A.R.S. 28-775(E)(2).

The road has only one lane in your direction, for example a two-lane road or a city street

You cannot change to a lane that is not next to the vehicle, so use the slow-down option: proceed with due caution and keep a safe speed. The Move Over Law also applies on city roads and streets.

You see a disabled vehicle while you drive on a freeway

Reduce your speed, move over and proceed around the disabled vehicle with caution.

Which vehicles does the law cover?

The law text does not list vehicle types. It applies to any stationary vehicle that shows alternately flashing lights or warning lights. The manual says the law applies to all vehicles pulled over with flashing lights, and it names emergency-response and law-enforcement vehicles, tow trucks, highway maintenance vehicles and private vehicles. So a police car on the shoulder, a tow truck, a road crew truck or a stopped car with its warning lights on all call for a lane change or a lower speed. A stopped school bus has a different rule; the Arizona school bus stop law guide explains it.

Move Over fines in Arizona (A.R.S. 28-775(F))

Move Over fines in Arizona (A.R.S. 28-775(F))
Violation	Civil penalty
First violation of the stationary-vehicle rule	$275
Second violation within five years	$500
Third or later violation within five years	$1,000

What the Move Over fines are for

These civil penalties are for a violation of subsection E, the stationary-vehicle rule. The higher amounts apply to a second or a later violation within five years. The law also tells ADOT to include the police-vehicle rule and the stationary-vehicle rule in its examination, information and education material, and to keep information about the law on its website. Learn both rules before your permit test.

What to do when an emergency vehicle comes up behind you

1
Look for the lights and listen for the siren
The law covers an authorized emergency vehicle with at least one red or red and blue lamp that you can see from 500 feet, and that also gives an audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle or bell.
2
Yield the right-of-way
Give the emergency vehicle the right-of-way, unless a police officer directs you to do something else.
3
Drive to the right edge
Immediately drive parallel to the right-hand edge or curb of the road, as close as possible, and clear of any intersection.
4
Stop and wait
Stop and stay there until the emergency vehicle has passed. Try the practice question on yielding to an emergency vehicle.

Other Arizona rules for emergency vehicles

Fire apparatus: If you are not on official business, do not follow fire apparatus that is responding to a fire alarm closer than 500 feet. Do not drive into or park in the block where fire apparatus has stopped for a fire alarm.
Police vehicle with lights and siren: Do not approach it or drive parallel to it. Stay at least 300 feet behind a police vehicle in an emergency until it moves to the lane closest to the right edge or curb.
Emergency vehicle drivers: An authorized emergency vehicle that is operating with activated lights and siren is exempt from this section. Its driver must still drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.

Two different rules: approaching and stationary

A.R.S. 28-775 has two different rules. The approaching rule in subsection A is for an emergency vehicle that comes toward you with a red or red and blue light and a siren, exhaust whistle or bell: you pull to the right and stop. The Move Over rule in subsection E is for a stationary vehicle with flashing or warning lights: you change lanes or slow down, and you keep driving with due caution. For the other Arizona right-of-way rules on the permit test, read the four-way stop and roundabout guide.

Key takeaways

When you approach a stationary vehicle with alternately flashing or warning lights, you must change lanes or slow down (A.R.S. 28-775(E)).
On a highway with at least four lanes and two or more in your direction, move to a lane not next to the vehicle if possible and safe. If you cannot, slow to a safe speed.
The civil penalty is $275. It is $500 for a second violation and $1,000 for a third or later violation within five years.
For an approaching emergency vehicle with a siren and red or red and blue lights, drive to the right edge, clear of any intersection, and stop until it passes.
Next step: practice on the free Arizona Instruction Permit practice test.

Arizona Move Over law: common questions

Do I have to move over for a police car stopped on the side of the road?

Yes. The Move Over rule covers any stationary vehicle with flashing or warning lights, including law-enforcement and emergency-response vehicles. On a highway with at least four lanes and two or more going your way, change to a lane not next to it if possible and safe. If not, slow down to a safe speed. The civil penalty is $275.

Does the Move Over law apply on city streets in Arizona?

Yes. The manual says the law applies to all freeways and other multiple lane highways, city roads and streets. On a street with only one lane your way, you cannot move to a lane that is not next to the stopped vehicle. Then you must proceed with due caution, reduce your speed and keep a safe speed for the road conditions.

How far back must I stay from a fire truck or a police car?

If you are not on official business, do not follow a fire truck that responds to a fire alarm closer than 500 feet, and do not drive or park in the block where it has stopped. Stay at least 300 feet behind a police vehicle with a red or red and blue light and a siren, until it moves to the lane closest to the right edge.

Can I stop in the intersection when an ambulance comes with its siren on?

No. Arizona law says to yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the road, clear of any intersection. Then stop and stay there until the emergency vehicle has passed. This applies when the emergency vehicle shows a red or red and blue light and gives an audible signal, unless a police officer tells you to do something else.