A 3-minute lesson from the South Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Officers, EMS crews, firefighters and tow truck operators are increasingly being struck while working on the road. SC's move-over law requires you to slow down and change lanes for them.
Know the rule
When approaching a stopped authorized emergency vehicle, slow down and move into a lane away from it, if safety and traffic allow.
Tractors, combines and other farm equipment cross and travel state highways in rural areas. Pass with caution, since the operator probably can't hear you over the machinery.
Animal-drawn vehicles and horseback riders have the same right to use the road and must follow the same rules. Pass with caution, and don't honk or rev your engine, which may scare the animal.
On the interstate you see a tow truck with flashing lights on the right shoulder. Check your mirror and blind spot, then move one lane left. If the left lane is packed, slow down and pass carefully.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When approaching a stopped authorized emergency vehicle, SC's move-over law requires you to:
Maintain your current speed and lane
Stop completely in your lane
Slow down and move over if safe
Only slow down if an officer waves you over
Answer: Slow down and move over if safe
Slow down and yield the right-of-way by changing lanes away from the emergency vehicle if safe and traffic permits.
