Move Over Law

As soon as you see lights, vests or reflectors, check traffic around you, SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER if safe to do so.

Effective January 1, 2012, the New York State Move Over Law protects law enforcement officers, emergency workers, tow and service vehicle operators and other maintenance workers stopped along roadways while performing their duties.

• Drivers must use due care when approaching an emergency vehicle that displays red or any combination of red, white or blue emergency lighting or a hazard vehicle displaying flashing amber lighting, or a vehicle displaying blue or green lighting:
  • On all roads and highways, drivers must reduce speed;
• On Parkways and other controlled access highways with multiple lanes, when approaching an emergency vehicle that displays red or any combination of red, white or blue emergency lighting, or a hazard vehicle displaying flashing amber lighting, or a vehicle displaying blue or green lighting, drivers must move from the lane immediately adjacent to the emergency or hazard vehicle, unless traffic or other hazards exist to prevent doing so safely.

Penalties:

• Violations of this law are punishable as a moving violation.