Bill requires drivers to slow down, move over for utility workers and vehicle breakdowns
(BOSTON—10/16/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today approved legislation improving the safety of drivers and telecom, gas, and electric utility workers with an expansion of the state’s Move Over law.
Under An Act relative to the Move Over Law, S.2642, motorists would be required to slow down if they are approaching a stationary utility truck or a stopped vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder of a road or breakdown lane of a highway. Drivers on a highway with multiple lanes in each direction would also be required, if practicable, to change lanes to ensure greater safety for vehicles and individuals in the breakdown lane. The state’s existing Move Over law provides such protections for emergency response vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, and tow trucks.
“Expanding our Move Over law to cover more instances will provide greater safety to utility workers, as well as to drivers and passengers who experience a breakdown or other car troubles,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “Much like the existing law on the books, this update encourages drivers to change lanes if it is safe to do so, or if not, to reduce their speed to a safe level. Expanding the current law to provide more consistency will lead to safer outcomes, as there will now be far less exemptions to the Move Over law.”
Utility workers often work in dangerous settings along busy streets. A gas operations technician was fatally struck by a driver in 2023 while on the job on a major road near Route 128 in Waltham. A police officer also died as a result of the crash.
The current Move Over law already applies to first responders and law enforcement working on the side of roadways. The proposed expansion steps up enforcement and driver education for those who break the law, adding a required education program for motorists who commit a second or subsequent violation. An existing $100 fine would increase to $250 for the second offense and $500 for third and subsequent violations.
The legislation was advanced to the floor on a 15-0 vote of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on October 9, 2025, following a 7-0 vote of the Joint Committee on Transportation on July 7, 2025. All committee votes are publicly posted on the Legislature’s website.
The legislation has been approved by the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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