RALEIGH, N.C. — The General Assembly is increasing the criminal penalty for motorists who violate North Carolina's "move-over" law and a first responder dies or is seriously injured.
[Drivers rarely abide by Move Over law, troopers say]
The Senate agreed on Wednesday to House changes to the bill, which responds to the December death of a Lumberton officer which occurred when authorities say a passing car struck him during an investigation.
The final bill also makes it unlawful for vehicles to use flashing or strobing amber lights, with exceptions.
The move-over law requires motorists to change lanes or otherwise slow down when they approach police cruisers with flashing emergency lights. The bill heading to Gov. Roy Cooper's desk would create a more severe felony when serious injury or death occurs, with possible prison time for someone with an otherwise clean record.