Page 19 - FINAL GA Drivers Manual Updated July 2021

SECTION 5 : TRAFFIC LAWS

trolled by a traffic control light. You may highway divided by a median, cars traveling “blind spot.” Be certain that no one is pass-
proceed only after making a complete stop, on the opposite side from the stopped school ing you;
yielding to all traffic and pedestrians, and bus are not required to stop, however drivers • Activate your left turn signal as you begin
making the determination that you can safely should remain attentive for children walking passing;
complete the turn; along or crossing the roadway.
• Unless a sign posted at that intersection pro- • Pass on the left and do not return to the right
lane until your vehicle is safely clear of the
hibits doing so, it is permissible to make a Passing overtaken vehicle. Wait until you can see the
“left turn on red” from the left lane of a one- car you have just passed in your rear view
way street onto a one-way street on which mirror;
the traffic moves toward the driver’s left. You How To Pass On A Two-Lane Road
may proceed only after making a complete • Wait for a passing zone to begin. A passing • Activate your right turn signal before return-
stop, yielding to all traffic and stopping for zone is indicated by striped lines to the right ing to the right lane. Be sure to turn your signal
pedestrians, and making the determination of the center line of the roadway. If the line off once you have returned to the right lane.
that you can safely complete the turn; nearest your vehicle is solid, you are not in a
• When a school bus is preparing to stop to passing zone. Look ahead along the roadway Passing is prohibited
load or unload children, the driver of the bus to determine the length of the passing zone on two-lane roads:
will activate flashing yellow lights. When and if there is traffic approaching from the op- • In areas marked by a solid yellow line on the
these flashing yellow lights are activated, all posite direction. You must have sufficient time right of the center line, or a “Do Not Pass”
drivers approaching the school bus should and space to execute your passing maneuver sign, or double yellow lines;
and return your vehicle completely to the
drivers should pay special attention to chil- right lane before the passing zone ends, before • Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing;
dren who may be walking along or crossing entering an intersection, and before oncom- • Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel;
the roadway. Once the flashing lights have ing traffic is within 200 feet of your vehicle;
turned red and the stop signs have extended • Before leaving your lane to begin passing, • When a car approaching from the opposite
from the side of the bus, it is unlawful for any check your rear view and side mirrors, and direction makes passing unsafe or will be
vehicle to pass the stopped school bus while turn your head and look back to check your
it is loading or unloading passengers. On a

THE “MOVE OVER” LAW

All 50 States have "Move Over" laws to protect law enforcement officers and other workers stopped on our nation's roads. Georgia’s “Move Over”
Law helps ensure highway safety for motorists, emergency personnel, active sanitation workers, and utility service workers. when their vehicles are
stopped on the side of the roadway.
This law was created to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities to police officers, paramedics, firefighters, wrecker operators, and highway
construction workers by maintaining an open buffer lane between passing highway traffic and authorized roadside emergency vehicles displaying
flashing yellow, amber, white, red, or blue lights. It was amended to include active sanitation workers and utility service workers who are utilizing
traffic cones and/or vehicles displaying flashing lights.
In Georgia, this law requires motorists to:
• Move over to the next lane if safely possible.
• If unable to move over, then slow down below the speed limit and be prepared to stop.
This law applies to any emergency, sanitation, or utility service vehicle parked on the shoulder of the roadway.

Why was the “Move Over” Law Passed?

• It saves lives. The “Move Over” Law helps • Providing a buffer lane for these vehicles
maintain traffic flow and protect the safety when parked on the roadway shoulder
of motorists, emergency personnel, active actually reduces the risk of another crash.
sanitation workers, and utility service
workers. • When the required clearance is given to
these types of vehicles, the margin of
• Vehicles parked on the side of the safety is increased, not only for public
roadway are vulnerable to crashes even safety, emergency personnel, active
when emergency lights are flashing. sanitation workers, and utility service
• More police officers are killed by traffic workers, but for motorists and their
crashes than in any other line-of-duty passengers as well.
cause of death. More than one fourth of
those killed are struck by passing vehicles It’s the Law!
while they work outside their patrol cars.
• Violations can result in a fine of no more
How does the “Move Over” than $500 for the first offense. Safely change lanes
Law make a difference? • The “Move Over” Law is another reason when approaching any
to slow down on the highways and
• Thirty percent of all crashes occur as the interstates. emergency, sanitation,
result of another crash. or utility service vehicle.

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