Published on September 11, 2025
Imagine standing just a few feet away from cars rushing by at 65 miles per hour. Now imagine trying to do your job in that space. Whether it’s helping a stranded driver, directing traffic, or responding to an emergency, that’s the reality for police officers, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck drivers, and other roadside workers every single day. The Maricopa Police Department wants to remind our community that these men and women are more than uniforms and flashing lights. They are parents, spouses, neighbors, and friends. At the end of every shift, they want the same thing we all do: to make it home safely to their loved ones. That’s where Arizona’s Move Over Law comes in. UnderA.R.S. § 28-775, drivers are required to move over one lane—or slow down significantly if it isn’t safe to change lanes—when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights on the roadside. It’s a simple action, but it creates a life-saving buffer of safety for those working just feet from high-speed traffic.
“Every year, across the country, first responders and roadside workers are injured or killed because drivers don’t move over,” explains Police Chief Mark Goodman. “This law exists to save lives. It’s about giving our people—and all roadside workers—a fighting chance to do their jobs safely.” To help keep our community safe, the Maricopa Police Department has received funding from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. This grant will support targeted enforcement of the Move Over Law in the coming months. Officers will be out specifically watching for drivers who fail to follow the law, because education and enforcement go hand in hand when it comes to saving lives. The department has also launched a new public service announcement video reminding drivers that behind every badge, every uniform, and every roadside vest is a person with loved ones waiting for them at home.
Next time you see flashing lights ahead, remember:
Move over one lane if you can.
If you can’t, slow down and pass carefully.
Stay alert and give space.
A few extra seconds behind the wheel could mean a lifetime with family for someone working on the roadside. For more information about Arizona’s Move Over Law, visit: A.R.S. § 28-775.