Navigating police move-on orders

What are move-on powers?

Police and protective service officers have the power to direct someone to ‘move on’ if they suspect on reasonable grounds that a person is or may:

• Breach the peace
• Endanger the safety of someone
• Cause injury to person
• Damage public property

This power is given to police from the Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic).

This direction may be called a move-on order or a move-on direction, and police can make this order verbally to you.

If you think a direction issued to you is unfair, you can follow the move on order and submit a complaint later. You should get the officer’s name, rank and badge number.

Failing to follow a move on order from an Officer, may result in you receiving a fine or being charged with a criminal offence which would require you to make a court appearance.

Where can move-on orders be made?

Essentially, these orders can be made in any public place. This includes parks, gardens, roads, cinemas and train stations.

What if the police ask me to move on?

Learn how to navigate move-on orders in the below video.

Find more information on the Fitzroy Legal Service website, including information about your right to protest.

Read Victoria Legal Aid's comprehensive online booklet about police powers.

Find your local Community Legal Centre.