NY’s ‘Move Over’ Law: What You May Not Know

The New York State 'Move Over Law' has been in operation on highways and parkways in New York for 3 years now, yet some people completely disregard them or are ill-informed as to what the law states.   Others simply panic given the situation and don't know what to do.  On Wednesday, a New York State Trooper vehicle was side-swiped by a truck driver who failed to move over and while the trooper was unharmed, his vehicle did sustain a lot of damage.  Judging by the picture, it's clear that this situation could have been much worse.  It should also be noted that the truck driver (who did not stop) was later apprehended and found to be driving while intoxicated.

The safety of our men and women in police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, construction and maintenance vehicles and tow trucks is at stake here.  Even responsible cautious drivers could use a little course refresher on what you must do when approaching any of them on New York highways and parkways.

• It's not just police or emergency lights that should caution you to move over.  Reflectors and vests on the side of the road are an indication that you need to slow down and move over as long it is safe to do so.

• It's not only standard police vehicles, ambulances or fire trucks that you must move over for, but also construction/maintenance vehicles and tow trucks. 

• The Move Over Law does apply for both shoulders of the highway, not just the one on the right. 

• You may drive on the wrong side of the road and cross double lines BUT ONLY if the movement is absolutely necessary and in compliance with the law and the driver yields to motorists traveling the proper direction.

Failure to move over for emergency and hazard vehicles could result in points on your license and hundreds of dollars in fines, but beyond that, it compromises your safety and the safety of everyone around you.