AUSTIN, Texas — The bill expanding the "Move Over" Law to utility vehicles went into effect September 1.
- Expanding law to utility vehicles
- Came about after Hurricane Harvey
- Drivers can face fines
The law will require drivers to move over a lane or slow down by at least 20 miles per hour when passing a utility vehicle on the side of the road just as they do for emergency vehicles. Austin Energy's Distribution Electrician Crew Leader Jason Fiebig said the change will make him and his crew members feel safer.
"It’s gonna make us go home at night a little bit more comfortable and come to work the next day a little bit more at ease knowing that we’ve got something to help buffer our job to make what we do safer," Fiebig said.
The law came in the wake of Hurricane Harvey when the safety of utility employees became a concern during recovery efforts.
Drivers violating the law risk a fine of up to $200. The fine jumps to up to $500 if there's any property damage. Causing bodily injury could lead to a Class B misdemeanor and a $2,000 fine.