Drivers will face stiffer penalties for failing to make way for emergency vehicles come January.

In addition to doubling the fine to $500, the Washington State Legislature created a buffer zone, requiring people to stay 200 feet away from front or behind vehicles with flashing lights.

When emergency vehicles and tow truck drivers are parked on a shoulder of a four or more lane road, cars are also asked to move to the left lane.

Over the past few years about 80 Washington State Patrol vehicles were hit by drivers in what is now considered the emergency zone, according to an Eastside Fire and Rescue press release.

“We’ve had two similar situations in the last 20 years where one of our firefighters was hit while helping during an emergency incident, and we are fortunate that neither one was killed,” said Fire Marshal Bud Backer in the release. “Like Washington State Patrol, we believe this enhanced version of the ‘Move Over’ law will help bring awareness to this issue and better protect emergency personnel.”