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District 90 Representative Chris Sells has sponsored a bill, House Bill 158, to strengthen the language and enforcement of Alabama’s Move Over Act.

The bill has unanimously passed the state House and Senate and will be sent to Gov. Kay Ivey to be signed.

The main purpose of the bill is to add to the original act, requiring drivers to move over or, if that is not possible, to slow to “15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit” on the interstate and “as far away as possible” or slow to a speed that is 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or greater or travel at 10 miles per hour when the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less on two lane roads when in sight of any vehicle with flashing lights.”

Previously, the language of the bill was specifically crafted towards law enforcement, towing trucks and other utility vehicles.

The changes will expand the law to apply to all vehicles stopped with flashing lights on the side of the road.

“We have seen how big of a problem this is in the state,” said Sells. “There have been more than 800 roadside collisions since 2011 in Alabama. Everyone is put in danger when cars fail to slow down or move over. We have cars flying by people changing a tire on the side of the highway or interstate, and it’s dangerous.”

Fines for violating the Move Over Law will remain the same, with a $25 fine for a first offense which can build to $50 and $100 upon second and third offenses.

“This bill makes drivers endangering those lives subject to a citation. Maybe more importantly, this can serve as an educational service to our citizens,” Sells said.