What does Wisconsin's Move Over law require?

Wisconsin Road Rules · Barron, WI

What does Wisconsin's Move Over law require?

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Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026

Short answer

Short answer

When an emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance vehicle, utility vehicle or a disabled vehicle with hazards on is stopped on or within 12 feet of the road, move out of the lane next to it if the road has two or more lanes in your direction. If you can't move over safely, slow down.

The details

Wis. Stat. 346.072 covers more than police cars. It also covers:

  • authorized emergency vehicles giving a visual signal
  • tow trucks flashing red lamps
  • highway construction and maintenance vehicles showing their lights
  • utility vehicles flashing amber or green lamps
  • disabled vehicles showing hazard lights or flares, or with people visibly attending them

WisDOT also points to the "Steer It, Clear It" law: if no one is hurt and the vehicles can be driven, move them out of the travel lanes after a crash.

Questions? Talk to a real person in Barron.

Call or message us and we'll give you a straight answer, or point you to the right office if it's not ours to answer.

Contact us

Ford 715-537-9500

Chevrolet, Ram & Dodge 715-537-5657

More Wisconsin Road Rules answers

Helpful Swant Graber pages

More buyer and owner answers

3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.

Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.

Swant Graber Motors Chevrolet, Dodge and Ram dealership in Barron, Wisconsin

Swant Graber Motors

Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram

1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)
Barron, WI 54812

Phone

715-537-5657

Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Test driveDirections

SwantGraberMotors.net (Dodge & Ram) · SwantGraberChevy.com

Swant Graber Ford dealership on Highway 8 in Barron, Wisconsin

Swant Graber Ford

Ford · across Highway 8

1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)
Barron, WI 54812

Phone

715-537-9500

Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Ford lineupDirections

BarronFord.com

Questions

Does the Move Over law apply to a regular car with hazards on?

Yes. Wis. Stat. 346.072 includes disabled vehicles showing hazard lights or flares, or with people attending them.

What if I can't change lanes?

Slow down and proceed with due regard for traffic, per 346.072.

How close to the road does the vehicle have to be?

The law applies when the vehicle is parked or standing on or within 12 feet of the roadway.

Get it looked at in Barron

Book with the service department at either store on Highway 8. Service is open Monday to Friday; ask about a loaner when you book.

Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657

Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500

Sources

  1. Wis. Stat. 346.072: Passing certain stopped vehicles (Move Over law): docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
  2. WisDOT: Safe driving is everyone's job: wisconsindot.gov