Move over or reduce speed sign: meaning and rules

Move over or reduce speed sign: what it means

Move over or reduce speed sign: a white vertical rectangle with a yellow STATE LAW header and the words MOVE OVER OR REDUCE SPEED FOR VEHICLES STOPPED ON SHOULDER

Drawing: Drivoku, based on MUTCD sign R16-3. Simplified; real signs follow the FHWA Standard Highway Signs specifications.

The Move Over or Reduce Speed sign reminds you of the state law: when you pass emergency vehicles stopped on the shoulder, change lanes away from them or slow down.

What does the Move Over or Reduce Speed sign mean?

MUTCD Section 2B.71 says the STATE LAW MOVE OVER OR REDUCE SPEED FOR VEHICLES STOPPED ON SHOULDER sign may be used to require drivers to change lanes and/or reduce speed when passing stopped emergency vehicles on the shoulder. Where a state’s law differs, the wording may be changed to match it.

Quick quiz

What does the sign at the top of this page mean?

The maximum speed allowed on this road.
Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.
One lane ends; move over in good time.

Show answer

B. Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles. Change lanes or reduce speed when passing stopped emergency vehicles on the shoulder (MUTCD Section 2B.71). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.71, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

Where will you see it?

On highways and other roads where vehicles may stop on the shoulder.

What should you do?

When you see flashing lights on the shoulder, move to a lane further away if it is safe. If you cannot, slow down. Your state’s law sets the exact rule.

What do people get wrong?

Braking hard or swerving at the last moment. Look well ahead so you can change lanes or slow down smoothly.

Common questions

Is the move over rule the same in every state?

No. MUTCD Section 2B.71 says the wording may be changed to match each state’s law. Check your state’s driver handbook.

Does it apply only to police cars?

The MUTCD sign refers to vehicles stopped on the shoulder, and state laws decide which vehicles count.

Compare with

Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.

Sources

Checked on 3 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Section 2B.71.

MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.71, FHWA
MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025

Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). Sources and image credits.