The state “Move Over” law that requires drivers to move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles on the side of the road is a step closer to carrying more than a fine if drivers violate it.

The state assembly unanimously voted 73-0 to approve a bill that would assess drivers two motor vehicle points for a third violation, in addition to fines for failing to move over one lane or slow down when approaching police, fire, Emergency Medical Service, road crew or tow trucks displaying flashing lights. The law now has fines ranging between $100 and $500.

A similar bill is before the state senate budget and appropriations committee. The Move Over law has been in effect since 2009 and as of 2012, every state had a similar law. The bill also requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to have public education campaigns to make drivers aware of the law and the reasons it exists.

Adding points to the Move Over law was prompted by the death of State Trooper Marc Castellano, who was struck and killed by a car in June 2010 while he was working on the side of I-195. His mother, Donna Setaro, has conducted hundreds of presentations to thousands of people to raise awareness of the law.

Several lawmakers who support the bill mentioned Setaro and Castellano by name as the reason for strengthening the penalties and educating drivers about it.

“Changes were needed because dangers still exist of those who work on our roads,” said Deputy Majority Leader Eric Houghtaling, D-Monmouth, a co-sponsor of the bill.

The bill also changes the law’s name to the “Slow Down and Move Over, it’s the law,” he said.

Since Castellano’s death, four Manchester Township police officers were struck on Route 37, and a Brick patrol car was hit while an officer was inside the vehicle. Both incidents were the result of drivers failing to move over, Houghtaling said.

In late July, a dump truck hit two state police vehicles, a West Orange ambulance and fire truck that were on the scene of a crash on I-280, sending 12 people to the hospital. A trooper and a firefighter suffered serious injuries. Another trooper seriously cut his hand jumping over a guard rail to avoid being hit.

Assemblywoman Serena DeMaso, R-Monmouth, who is also a first responder, said the measure can “determine whether someone lives.”

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.

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