Kansas Expands “Move Over” Law to Protect All Stopped Vehicles: What Drivers and Victims Need to Know

March 26, 2025/Kendall Law Group LLC

Beginning July 1, 2025, a major change is coming to Kansas highways—and every driver needs to pay attention. Governor Laura Kelly has signed a new law that expands the state’s “Move Over” requirements, extending protections to all vehicles stopped on the side of the road with hazard lights flashing.

This law has important implications not only for traffic safety but also for victims of roadside accidents. Our skilled catastrophic auto accident injury trial lawyers in Kansas City understand how dangerous shoulder-related crashes can be and the long-term impact they can have on victims and their families. This key legislative move is a crucial step toward increasing driver accountability and reducing preventable injuries and deaths. Here is what you need to know about the new law.

Overview of the Expanded “Move Over” Law

Kansas’ updated “Move Over” law now mandates that drivers must either change lanes or slow down for any stopped vehicle using hazard lights. This protection was previously only applied to emergency responders and certain service vehicles.

This new law, passed with bipartisan support, reflects a growing concern over roadside crashes and the need to extend safety precautions to all motorists, not just professionals.

What Was the Previous Law?

Before this amendment, Kansas drivers were only legally required to yield or reduce speed for:

Law enforcement vehicles
Fire trucks and ambulances
Tow trucks
Utility or highway maintenance vehicles

This limited scope left ordinary motorists without protection when their vehicles became disabled or stopped due to emergencies.

What Is New in the Law?

As of July 1, 2025, the new law includes:

All vehicles with hazard lights flashing, regardless of type.
Mandatory lane change, if safe.
Significant speed reduction and caution if a lane change isn’t possible.

Noncompliance carries a $75 fine, but the real risk is far greater lives are on the line.

Why This Expansion Matters

Thousands of drivers and passengers are injured or killed each year during roadside emergencies. According to national data:

Roadside crashes are among the most dangerous and underreported incidents.
Many deaths occur because drivers fail to move over or slow down for stopped vehicles.

In Kansas alone, between 2018 and 2023:

994 crashes involved empty parked vehicles, causing 8 fatalities and 25 serious injuries.
82 crashes involved occupied vehicles, resulting in 2 deaths and 4 serious injuries.

These are not just numbers—they represent lives that could have been saved.

How the Law Affects Liability in Accidents

The legal stakes are now higher. If a driver fails to obey the expanded “Move Over” law and causes an accident, this violation can be used as evidence of negligence in court.

Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

Emergency and long-term medical care
Pain and suffering
Lost income and future earning capacity
Permanent disability and emotional trauma

Law firms like Kendall Law Groupspecialize in handling catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death claims and can help victims seek justice through insurance claims and in some cases, civil litigation.

What Drivers Should Start Doing Today

Although the law does not take effect until July 1, 2025, Kansas drivers are encouraged to start practicing safer driving habits now:

Always check your mirrors and blind spots.
Begin your lane change early and signal well in advance.
If you cannot move over, slow down significantly.
Be aware that flashing hazard lights now carry legal weight.

This is about protecting everyone, your passengers, and complete strangers who may be in a vulnerable situation on the side of the road.

Safety Tips for Stranded Motorists

If your car breaks down or you are forced to pull over:

Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
Pull as far to the right as possible.
Stay in the vehicle if it’s safer than stepping out.
Call for roadside assistance or emergency services right away.
If you must exit, do so on the passenger side away from traffic.

With the new law in place, other drivers will be legally obligated to give you space—but your own actions still matter.

The Importance of Awareness and Enforcement

This law’s success will depend on public education and enforcement. Police officers and safety advocates will play a critical role in spreading the word and ensuring compliance.

Lawmakers like Rep. Adam Turk believe this expansion will shift the way drivers perceive flashing hazard lights—from optional warning signs to mandatory indicators of caution.

Move Over Laws in Other States

Kansas is not alone in updating its Move Over laws. Other states, including Missouri, Texas, and Florida, have made similar changes in recent years. This reflects a national trend toward increasing roadside protections for everyday drivers—not just emergency personnel.

FAQs

1. Does this apply only on highways?

No. The law applies on all roads where it is safe to change lanes or slow down.

2. What if there is no room to change lanes?

If it is unsafe to switch lanes, the law requires you to slow down significantly and pass with caution.

3. Are hazard lights required for protection?

Yes. The vehicle must have its hazard lights flashing to receive protection under this law.

4. Will I be ticketed if I forget to move over?

Yes. Failing to move over or slow down will result in a $75 citation.

5. Does this affect insurance claims?

Yes. Violating the law can be used as evidence in personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits and could affect your insurance premiums.

6. Can I still be sued even if I was not ticketed?

Yes. Civil liability can still apply even if law enforcement chooses not to issue a ticket.

Kansas City Auto Accident Injury Attorneys

Kansas is making bold moves to ensure roadside safety for all drivers. The expanded “Move Over” law isn’t just a technical update, it is a clear message: every life matters on our roadways.

Whether you’re a stranded motorist or a passing driver, the responsibility to keep Kansas roads safe is shared by all. Start adopting safer habits today and be ready when the law takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Injured on the Roadside? We Can Help.

At Kendall Law Group, we represent victims and families of those seriously injured in roadside crashes and offer compassionate, thorough legal guidance. If you or a loved one was harmed by a driver who failed to move over, we will fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

📞CALL NOW for a free consultation, or reach out HERE