New York's Move Over Law expansion begins

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- When there is a vehicle of any kind pulled off to the side of the road, all drivers in New York must now change lanes or slow down if they’re unable to safely do so. This new provision expands on an existing law that requires drivers to move for emergency vehicles.

"You shouldn’t have to risk life or limb just to pull over to address an emergency in your car," said Senator Lea Webb.

According to Governor Hochul's Office, between 2016 to 2020, 37 individuals were killed outside disabled vehicles in New York State.

Within the past three years, more than three dozen New York State Police vehicles have been involved in crashes. Senator Webb hopes the new expansion of the Move Over Law will save lives.

"I remember when I first got my license, one of the things we learned early was that with emergency vehicles you have to move to the adjoining lane to move out of the way, explained Webb. "So I’m hoping those education opportunities will ensue."

Not moving over can result in penalties for drivers. According to state police, over 18,000 tickets have been issued between 2022 and now, before this new provision took effect.