Ohio House Passes Philip Wigal's Law

State Representatives Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) and Meredith Craig (R-Smithville) today announced that legislation strengthening Ohio's Move Over Law and promoting public safety passed through the Ohio House of Representatives unanimously.

House Bill 132, also known as Philip Wigal's Law, creates a tiered penalty structure for violating the Move Over Law, including enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and drivers who cause injury or death by not slowing down or moving over on the roadway for stationary vehicles with flashing lights, such as police, fire, and EMS personnel; road maintenance crews; construction workers; utility vehicles; and tow truck operators.

The bill is named in honor of Firefighter Philip Wigal, who was struck and killed by a semi-truck while responding to a crash on I-71 near West Salem in 2022. The driver of the semi-truck failed to slow down or move over, tragically taking Wigal's life.

"It is an honor to work on this legislation with the Wigal family," said Rep. Craig. "The unanimous support of HB 132 sends a strong message that Ohio will take these violations seriously, and that the lives of our first responders and roadside workers matter."

The current penalty for drivers who fail to move over or slow down is limited to a $300 dollar fine.

Updated penalties under House Bill 132 are as follows:

• First Violation: Fine up to $300 (Current Law)
• Subsequent Violations (within one year): Fine up to $1,000
• Violation Resulting in Injury: Fine up to $5,000 and potential license suspension
• Violation Resulting in Death: Fine up to $10,000, charge of vehicular homicide, and license suspension

"Philip Wigal's Law is a powerful reminder that behind every flashing light on the side of the road is a life worth protecting," said Miller. "By simply slowing down and moving over, we can prevent tragedy and honor the men and women who keep Ohio safe."

House Bill 132 now goes to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.