Emergency vehicles and the Move Over law

Key points

1. On a multi lane controlled access highway, move at least one lane away from a stopped emergency, service or utility vehicle with its lights on.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “must move into a lane at least one travel lane away from the stopped vehicles.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

2. If you cannot move over, reduce speed and keep a safe speed past the stopped vehicles.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “the driver must then reduce their speed and maintain a safe speed past the stopped vehicles.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

3. A first Move Over violation can cost up to $100; later ones up to $500 and up to 7 days in jail.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “1st offense up to $100. 2nd and subsequent offenses up to $500 and/or up to 7 days in jail.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

4. In a minor interstate crash with no injuries, drive drivable vehicles to the nearest shoulder.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “should drive the vehicles to the nearest shoulder out of the travel lanes.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

5. For an emergency vehicle with siren or lights on, yield, pull to the right edge and stop, clear of intersections.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “Immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right edge or curb of the roadway and stop, clear of any intersections”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

6. Stay stopped until it passes, then watch for other emergency vehicles before going.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Watch for other emergency vehicles before proceeding.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

7. Do not follow a fire truck on an emergency closer than 500 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 52

   “traveling in an emergency status closer than 500 feet”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 52

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Nebraska practice test

1. 1. If a Nebraska driver cannot move one lane away from a stopped vehicle with flashing lights, what must the driver do?

   1. Stop in the current lane and wait for police
   2. Pass on the shoulder at the original speed
   3. Reduce speed and maintain a safe speed past the stopped vehicles
   4. Turn on hazard lights and continue without changing speed
   Show answer

   Reduce speed and maintain a safe speed past the stopped vehicles. Nebraska's Move Over rule requires the driver to reduce speed and maintain a safe speed past the stopped vehicles when traffic or another condition prevents moving one lane away. Stopping in the lane can create a new hazard, while using the shoulder or keeping the original speed does not provide the required buffer. The sequence matters: first look for a safe lane change, then slow and pass carefully when a lane change cannot be made. Flashing lights are the cue to begin that decision early.

2. 2. When an authorized emergency vehicle activates its siren or flashing lights, where should other drivers stop?

   1. Anywhere in the lane if the driver turns on hazard lights
   2. In the center of the nearest intersection
   3. Along the left edge, facing oncoming traffic
   4. As close as possible to the right edge or curb, clear of intersections
   Show answer

   As close as possible to the right edge or curb, clear of intersections. Nebraska requires other drivers to yield, move parallel and as close as possible to the right edge or curb, and stop clear of intersections unless an officer directs otherwise. Stopping in an intersection can block the emergency route, while the left edge usually moves a vehicle toward rather than away from the approaching path. Hazard lights do not replace the required positioning. After stopping, remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed and check for additional emergency vehicles before reentering traffic.

3. 3. How closely may a vehicle follow a fire apparatus traveling in emergency status?

   1. It may follow within 50 feet on a roadway with two lanes
   2. It may follow within 100 feet if the siren is audible
   3. It may not follow closer than 500 feet
   4. It may follow immediately after the apparatus clears an intersection
   Show answer

   It may not follow closer than 500 feet. Nebraska prohibits following a fire apparatus traveling in emergency status closer than 500 feet. The restriction protects firefighters, gives the apparatus room to maneuver, and prevents a trailing vehicle from becoming part of the emergency response. Hearing the siren or reaching an intersection does not shorten the required distance. Slow down and allow the apparatus to create separation rather than trying to keep pace. The same passage also warns against driving onto or parking within the block where the apparatus has stopped.

Source: the Nebraska Driver's Manual, Section 4: Rules of the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.