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Lawmakers agree on bill requiring drivers to ‘move over’ from emergencies

State lawmakers reached agreement today on a bill requiring motorists to “move over” when approaching a traffic or crime scene where emergency responders are working.

House Bill 2030 requires driver to slow down to a reasonable and prudent speed when approaching an emergency road situation, or make a lane change if necessary and if it is safe to do so. 

Not abiding by the law would constitute a traffic violation, less onerous than a petty misdemeanor.

House lawmakers had sought the heavier punishment, but instead agreed to the Senate’s stance. 

The proposal became a priority for local law enforcement officials following the deaths of two Honolulu police officers in a five-month period while they were stopped along Oahu highways.

Authorities testified that Hawaii was the only state without a “move over” law.

The bill now goes to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for consideration.

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