Nebraska Move Over Law marks one year since expansion

Lincoln, Neb. (KLKN) — One year after Nebraska expanded its Move Over Law, Nebraska State Patrol troopers say they have noticed some changes in driver behavior, but not everyone is moving over.

The anniversary comes as Labor Day weekend brings more drivers onto Nebraska roads, prompting troopers to remind motorists why giving people stopped along the roadway extra space matters.

Trooper Trysten Whitted said he has personally noticed more drivers moving over when approaching vehicles on the side of the road.

“Me personally, being out on the road, feel like I see a lot more semis, trucks move over,” Whitted said. “Vehicles do, but there are some that do not, unfortunately.”

Nebraska’s expanded Move Over Law took effect Sept. 3, 2025. Before the change, drivers were required to move over or slow down for stopped emergency and roadside assistance vehicles. The updated law expanded those protections to vehicles stopped on the shoulder.

Nebraska State Patrol data shows troopers issued 165 Move Over citations from Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2025. In the following year, troopers issued 164.

Those numbers followed several years of increases. Troopers issued 68 citations in 2021-22, 81 in 2022-23 and 118 in 2023-24.

Even as Whitted says he has noticed more drivers moving over, he said the danger for those along the road remains.

“Early this summer, we have had a couple units that have gotten hit from vehicles that failed to move over,” Whitted said.

Whitted said drivers who fail to move over sometimes tell troopers they did not see the vehicle. Distractions, including phones and GPS devices, can be a factor.

“You’ll stop them for not moving over for people, and they won’t even realize that it’s an actual thing,” Whitted said.

With Labor Day weekend bringing more travelers onto Nebraska roads, Whitted said troopers will be out to assist drivers and help keep traffic moving. He encouraged drivers to put their phones away, pay attention behind the wheel and make sure their vehicles are ready for the road before heading out.

“If you see any vehicles, emergency vehicles on the side of the roads, just slow down, move over, and arrive alive, be safe,” Whitted said.

Drivers who are able to safely move over and fail to do so can face a traffic infraction and a fine of up to $100 for a first offense. A second offense within five years is a misdemeanor and carries increased penalties.

Drivers who run into trouble on the road can dial *55 to reach the Nebraska State Patrol.