By DIP News

June 7, 2026

Iowa law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to promote roadway safety as the second annual statewide Move Over enforcement project launches Monday. From June 8 through June 12, 2026, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) and officers across the state to increase visibility, issue citations where necessary, and educate motorists about complying with Iowa’s long-standing Move Over Law.

The initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about the dangers faced by first responders, tow operators, and other roadside personnel. Despite the law having been on the books since 2002, officials note that failures to yield have contributed to preventable tragedies both in Iowa and across the nation. Extra patrols will be monitoring high-traffic areas, focusing not only on enforcement but also on reminding drivers of their responsibility to create a safe buffer zone around vehicles stopped on the shoulder.

Understanding Iowa’s Move Over Law

Under Iowa Code sections 321.323A and 321.324, drivers approaching any vehicle on the shoulder displaying flashing lights must take appropriate action. This includes:

•  Changing lanes to provide space when it is safe to do so.

•  Reducing speed if changing lanes is not possible.

The requirement applies to a wide range of vehicles, including emergency response vehicles (police, fire, ambulance), tow trucks, Highway Helpers service vehicles, commercial trucks, and even passenger cars with hazard lights or other flashing signals activated. Importantly, the color of the lights does not matter—any flashing lights signal the need for caution and space.

“Whether it’s a trooper investigating a crash, a tow driver clearing wreckage, or a fellow motorist broken down, everyone deserves that extra measure of protection,” said a representative from the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office in prepared remarks. “This week is about both enforcement and education—helping drivers develop the habit of moving over every time.”

Penalties and Consequences

Violations carry significant consequences. A standard citation results in a $210.25 fine. More serious cases involving property damage, bodily injury, or fatalities can lead to driver’s license suspension ranging from 90 days to one year. These penalties reflect the law’s intent to deter dangerous behavior that has repeatedly resulted in secondary crashes—often called “struck-by” incidents—where stopped vehicles or workers are hit by passing traffic.

Nationwide statistics have shown that roadside incidents involving law enforcement and service vehicles remain a persistent risk. Iowa’s campaign aligns with broader national efforts, such as those promoted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to reduce these avoidable deaths through heightened awareness during targeted enforcement periods.

Broader Context and Impact

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau coordinates these efforts using federally funded grants, collaborating with city, county, state, and local partners to develop data-driven strategies aimed at cutting fatalities and serious injuries on Iowa roads. The Move Over project is one piece of a larger safety ecosystem that includes impaired driving enforcement, seatbelt campaigns, and speed reduction initiatives.

Experts emphasize that while enforcement plays a key role, cultural change among drivers is equally important. Simple habits—scanning ahead for emergency lights, checking mirrors before lane changes, and giving roadside activity a wide berth—can dramatically improve outcomes. In heavy traffic or multi-lane highways, the decision to slow down safely can prevent chain-reaction crashes that endanger not only workers but other motorists as well.

Edge cases worth noting include construction zones, where additional signage and reduced speed limits often overlap with Move Over requirements, and rural roads where shoulders may be narrower, making lane changes more challenging. Drivers in those situations are still expected to slow considerably and proceed with heightened caution.

What Drivers Should Do This Week—and Every Day

As the enforcement wave begins, officials urge all Iowa motorists to:

1.  Stay alert for flashing lights on the shoulder.

2.  Move over one or more lanes when possible.

3.  Slow down safely and increase following distance if unable to change lanes.

4.  Avoid distractions like phones or infotainment systems near these scenes.

By participating in this week’s heightened enforcement period, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office and GTSB hope not only to issue necessary citations but to foster lasting behavioral change that saves lives year-round. In a state where agriculture, commuting, and commercial trucking keep roads busy, every driver shares responsibility for keeping Iowa’s roadways safer for those who protect and serve them.

For more information on Iowa’s Move Over Law and other traffic safety programs, residents can visit the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau website or contact their local sheriff’s office.