Gwinnett County Police Conduct Operation Guthrie’s Shield to Enforce Move Over Law

Officers from the Gwinnett County Police Department’s Central Precinct conducted a targeted traffic enforcement detail on January 16 and 17 to support Master Police Officer Ashley Guthrie, who has been struck by drunk drivers on two separate occasions while on duty.
MPO Guthrie was hit by intoxicated drivers while working on Interstate 85 and Highway 316, incidents that totaled her patrol vehicles. Despite these accidents, she has remained dedicated to her role and has used the experiences to fuel efforts in traffic enforcement and public safety.
The operation, named “Guthrie’s Shield,” focused on enforcing Georgia’s move over law, which requires drivers to move to a non-adjacent lane when approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights activated. If a lane change isn’t possible, drivers are required to reduce their speed below the posted limit to ensure safety.
The five-hour detail, held along Interstate 85 and Highway 316, resulted in 51 traffic stops. Officers issued 15 citations for move over law violations, 29 speeding citations, 26 other traffic-related citations, and made one DUI arrest. The operation also utilized the department’s helicopter for enhanced enforcement and monitoring.
This initiative not only reinforces public awareness of the move over law but also highlights the risks faced by officers conducting traffic enforcement on busy highways, particularly at night. The Gwinnett County Police Department remains committed to promoting road safety and honoring officers like MPO Guthrie, whose dedication inspires such efforts.