DNR Reminds The Public To Move Over For Emergency Vehicles, Workers On Trails, Waterways

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges people traveling on roadways, waterways and recreational trails to remember the Move Over Law, which requires drivers and operators to take actions to avoid any possible collisions with stopped emergency vehicles or workers.

Wisconsin’s Move Over Law, enacted in 2001, will be celebrated on National Move Over Day on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

The law requires drivers on routes with two or more lanes in one direction to move out of the lane closest to the stopped emergency vehicle with its warning lights flashing. It also applies to ambulances, fire and tow trucks, utility vehicles and highway maintenance vehicles with their warning lights on. If unable to move over, the driver or operator must slow down when passing the stopped vehicles and personnel.

It’s also important to remember the law when on trails and waterways. Wardens patrol a wide variety of terrain, making emergency stops on water with patrol boats, on roads with vehicles and on the trails with ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles.

With more than 2,300 miles of ATV trails and 62,500 miles of ATV routes statewide, slowing down is just as important. Wis. Stat. s. 23.33(3)(gm) says all users must slow down to 10 miles per hour or less when within 100 feet of a person not operating a motor vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, utility terrain vehicle or snowmobile.

If you encounter an officer on the water with their blue lights or siren activated, please slow down to a slow-no-wake speed anytime you’re within 100 feet of them to help reduce the waves and other factors they will have to address while doing their work.

“Let’s work together so everyone – those using the roads and routes and those helping or working on behalf of the public – make it home safely every day,” said Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator.

Learn more about ATV/UTV and boat safety on the DNR website.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.