Missouri's move over law: what it requires and what it costs

What does the law require?

RSMo 304.022 covers two situations.

An emergency vehicle is coming up on you with its siren on or its red or blue lights showing. Pull as far right as you can, stop, and stay there until it passes.

A vehicle is stopped with lights flashing. For a stationary vehicle showing red, red and blue, amber, or amber and white lights:

1. Change to a lane that isn't next to it, if the road has at least four lanes with two going your way and you can do it safely.
2. If you can't change lanes, slow down and keep a safe speed for the conditions.

Which vehicles does it cover?

Any stationary vehicle showing those lights. That takes in police, fire and ambulance vehicles, and any vehicle stopped with amber or amber and white lights on.

What is the penalty?

A class A misdemeanor. The statewide fine schedule lists these fines, with court costs added:

Violation	Fine
Failed to yield to a stationary vehicle with amber or amber and white lights	$80.50
Failed to yield to an emergency vehicle sounding a siren and showing red or blue lights	$150.50

How many points?

Form 899 says any moving violation it doesn't list by name is assessed 2 points.

Can the Driver Improvement Program keep the points off?

Ordinary moving violations are covered, and the court decides. Ask before you plead guilty or pay. How to ask the court.

What if I hit someone?

Separate and more serious charges apply. RSMo 302.302 lists endangerment of an emergency responder at 4 points and aggravated endangerment at 12. The Driver Improvement Program doesn't cover either.