Last Thursday, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously approved legislation improving the safety of drivers and telecom, gas, and electric utility workers with an expansion of the state’s Move Over law.
Under “An Act relative to the Move Over Law,” motorists would be required to slow down if they are approaching a stationary utility truck or a stopped vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder of a road or breakdown lane of a highway. Drivers on a highway with multiple lanes in each direction would also be required, if practicable, to change lanes to ensure greater safety for vehicles and individuals in the breakdown lane. The state’s existing Move Over law provides such protections for emergency response vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, and tow trucks. The language in this bill includes provisions from S.2352 filed by Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) and H.3816 filed by Rep. Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere).
“This essential legislation is a critical upgrade to our Move Over law, expanding its life-saving protections to everyone who must work or wait on the side of a busy highway. By including disabled vehicles and utility workers and implementing stronger penalties, we are making everyone on our roads safer,” said Crighton. “Thank you to the Senate President, the Chair of Ways and Means, and to all those who have advocated for this important reform.”
Giannino said, “I’m grateful to the Senate for advancing this important addition to the Move Over Law, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for its passage in the House. This legislation is essential to protecting the lives of the men and women who work on the sides of our highways every day — often putting themselves at risk to help others in our communities.”
Utility workers often work in dangerous settings along busy streets. A gas operations technician was fatally struck by a driver in 2023 while on the job on a major road near Route 128 in Waltham. A police officer also died as a result of the crash.
The current Move Over law already applies to first responders and law enforcement working on the side of roadways. The proposed expansion steps up enforcement and driver education for those who break the law, adding a required education program for motorists who commit a second or subsequent violation. An existing $100 fine would increase to $250 for the second offense and $500 for third and subsequent violations.
The legislation has been approved by the Senate by a vote of 39-0 and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Statements of Support
“National Grid employees perform critical repairs and maintenance to ensure safe, reliable energy service across Massachusetts every day when customers need it most,” said Shaun Vacher, VP of Electric Operations, National Grid. “We thank the Senate for passing this important legislation to provide essential protections for roadside utility crews, helping ensure they can do this vital work safely and without unnecessary risk.”
“The Massachusetts State Police shares the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s support for this bill, which provides important additions to the Commonwealth’s existing Move Over law,” said Col. Geoffrey Noble, Massachusetts State Police. “While these expanded provisions support our ability to address dangerous behavior through enforcement, above all else, we want drivers to slow down and change lanes away from stationary vehicles when it’s safe to do so. Taking these common-sense steps will prevent the serious injuries and fatal outcomes that change lives forever. We appreciate the Legislature taking up this issue and we look forward to the bill reaching the Governor’s desk.”
“The United Steelworkers thank the Senate for their support of the Move Over law. This bill, when it becomes law, will make drivers safer, our utility workers safer, and will without question save lives,” said John Buonopane, Sub-District Director/New England, United Steelworkers.
“AAA applauds the Senate for passing critical legislation to expand the Move Over law to include disabled and utility vehicles,” said Christina Hayman, Senior Manager, Government Affairs, AAA Northeast. “This life-saving measure will better protect individuals who find themselves unexpectedly stranded. Under the leadership of Chairman Crighton and with strong support from Chairman Rodrigues and Senate President Spilka, Massachusetts is taking a meaningful step toward fostering a culture of safer driving.”
