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North Carolina Move Over Law Laws (2026)

Info: On multilane roads, North Carolina requires you to move over a lane for stopped emergency and public service vehicles with their lights on, including tow trucks and utility vehicles.

InfoVerified Jun 18, 2026
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On multilane roads, North Carolina requires you to move over a lane for stopped emergency and public service vehicles with their lights on, including tow trucks and utility vehicles. If you can't move over, slow down.

Official source: ncdot.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Move Over Law in states bordering North Carolina

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

  • Georgia requires you to move over a lane for stopped emergency, towing or recovery, highway-maintenance and utility vehicles with flashing lights. If moving over isn't safe, slow down and be ready to stop.

    Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: gahighwaysafety.org · Full Georgia rule →

  • South Carolina requires you to slow down significantly and, if possible, change into a lane that isn't next to a stopped authorized emergency vehicle with flashing lights, including towing and recovery vehicles.

    Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: scdps.sc.gov · Full South Carolina rule →

  • Tennessee requires you to move into a lane that isn't next to a stopped emergency, utility or highway-maintenance vehicle with flashing lights. If that isn't safe, slow down (TCA 55-8-132).

    Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →

  • In Virginia, when you approach a stopped vehicle showing blue, red or amber lights or hazard flashers — police, fire, tow and utility vehicles — change into a lane that isn't next to it if it's safe. If it isn't, slow down and proceed with caution.

    Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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