As summer travel and severe weather increase, New York officials are reminding drivers about the state’s expanded Move Over Law, which now requires motorists to slow down and change lanes for any vehicle stopped on the roadside with flashing lights.

Highway crews, tow truck drivers and emergency responders face increased risks every day, especially during storms and busy travel periods. 

What You Need To Know

  • New York's Move Over Law now applies to all vehicles stopped with flashing lights, not just emergency responders
  • Drivers must slow down and move over when approaching any stopped vehicle, if it's safe to do so
  • Violating the law can result in fines, license points and higher insurance rates

“People are more apt to move over when they see these visual cues. And, doing so can mean the importance of someone’s life or death along the roadside,” said Tara Ricard, marketing and promotions manager at AAA Hudson Valley.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple emphasized the dangers.

“Troopers have been hit several times in the last 18 months," he said. "We just lost a DOT supervisor — a total preventable accident.”

Under the law, drivers must move over a lane or slow down significantly when passing any stopped vehicle with flashing lights, including police, fire, tow trucks, highway workers and now, even disabled vehicles. Penalties for violations include fines, points on your license and possible insurance increases.

For more information about the Move Over Law and how to stay safe on New York’s roads, visit the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee website at trafficsafety.ny.gov.