With National Crash Responders Safety Week taking place this week, the Hawai‘i County Police Department is reminding motorists of their legal duty to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles stopped on the roadway. The reminder reinforces Hawai‘i’s “Move Over Law” which was enacted to protect first responders who regularly work in hazardous roadside environments.

Under HRS 291C-27, drivers approaching an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights must reduce speed to a safe and prudent level and, when possible, move into an adjacent lane—or farther—if it is safe to do so. Depending on the situation, drivers may be required to stop.

The law applies to police, fire, EMS, Ocean Safety, Freeway Service Patrol, tow trucks, and certain state and county vehicles with personnel conducting official duties.

Officers will continue to enforce the law and may stop motorists who fail to comply.