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Starting July 1, the law says you must move your car after a minor crash

Posted at 12:16 AM, Jun 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-30 05:46:06-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- A new law that goes into effect Friday changes your responsibilities following a minor traffic accident.

Many people believe you're not allowed to, or at least not supposed to, move your car after a crash.

"That was the mindset a long time ago … and a lot of times the insurance companies told you not to move your vehicle," said ISP First Sgt. Rich Myers.

MORE | See the other new laws going into effect July 1

But that's not the case anymore in Indiana. Now, if you're in an accident and your car is drivable, you'll be required to move it to a safe place.

Indiana used to have a similar law on the books, but it inadvertently removed it years ago and only applied it to interstates.

On Friday, the new version of the law goes into effect and expands the rule to include any government road.

"What we're trying to do is prevent that secondary crash, which a lot of times is a lot more serious than the first crash," Myers said.

There are exceptions to the law: if someone is injured or entrapped, you shouldn't move your vehicle. The law also doesn't apply if hazardous materials are involved.