Dejanay Booth

Detroit Free Press

Michigan's "Move Over" law for police and emergency vehicles is in effect, and state troopers already are handing out $400 tickets.

Michigan State Police issued about a half-dozen tickets in the first week since the law went into effect on Feb. 13 at the Metro South Post in Wayne County, the Metro North Post (Oakland and Macomb counties), Rockford Post (Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa counties) and Gaylord Post (Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, Cheboygan, and Otsego counties), said Shanon Banner, the agency's public affairs manager.

In addition, Lt. Darren Green with the department's Central District (Lansing, Brighton, Jackson and Monroe posts) said a citation was issued on Feb. 18 in Eaton County after a driver failed to move over for a patrol car with flashing lights making a traffic stop.

Banner said the agency isn't out to punish motorists but rather to enforce safety.

"The goal of the law is voluntary compliance to increase safety for emergency services workers who are working on the side of the road," Banner said in an email.

"Citations will be issued when violations are egregious, but we’re hopeful motorists will understand the need to pass with care and caution."

The law calls for drivers to move over a lane for emergency and utility vehicles with flashing emergency lights. Drivers must slow down to 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Violations are punishable by a $400 ticket.

Green said he hopes drivers also take the law into consideration for anyone who stopped for vehicle issues.

While the law enforces at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit, Green said drivers still risk traveling too fast.

For example, slowing down to 60 mph from 70 mph is still risky in some situations.

Green said drivers should use common sense and slow down even further below the speed limit when necessary to avoid accidents.