Hochul: Expanded 'Move Over Law' to include all stopped vehicles on highways

Drivers must slow down or move over to avoid a crash with any disabled or stopped vehicle

√ ‘Move Over Law’ protects drivers, pedestrians, highway workers, emergency responders

Gov. Kathy Hochul reminded drivers that New York’s “Move Over Law” will soon be expanded to include all vehicles, which, her team said, “will improve highway safety for everyone.”

Starting March 27, drivers will be required to take precautions, including slowing down and moving over, to avoid a crash with all vehicles stopped along the roadway.

“The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority, especially those pulled over to the side of the road,” Hochul said. “If you see that you are approaching a disabled vehicle, slow down and move over as best you can to give them some space.”

Hochul’s team said, “From 2016-20, 37 individuals were killed outside disabled vehicles in New York. Nationally, nearly 300 drivers are struck and killed roadside every year. The ‘Move Over Law’ was enacted to prevent those tragedies and make New York’s roadways safer for all.

“The law first became effective in 2010 to prevent collisions with emergency vehicles that were stopped on the roadway. The law has been expanded several times to also cover hazard vehicles, highway worker vehicles, and tow trucks. In 2023, Gov. Hochul signed a bill to further strengthen the law by including this protection for all vehicles stopped on the roadway.”

Under the law, when a driver is approaching a vehicle stopped along either shoulder of the road, they should:

√ Change into a lane not immediately adjacent to the vehicle; or

√ Slow down to a reasonable speed if unable to safely make a lane change.

Also today, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) is launching a public awareness campaign using radio, social media and other out-of-home elements to remind people they will need to “Slow Down, Move Over” as best they can when they come upon someone stopped on the side of the road or in a driving lane. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, all 50 states have "Move Over" laws to protect law enforcement officers and other first responders, yet one-third of Americans are not aware of these laws.

DMV Commissioner and Chair of the GTSC Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “The expansion of the ‘Move Over Law’ is another example of New York state’s commitment to making this state a safe place to live, work and travel. You never know when you may need to pull over, but when you do, we want to make sure you can do so without putting yourself or others in harm’s way. Each of us is responsible for doing our part to prevent tragedies on our roadways, so please follow the law. Slow down and move over when you see another vehicle stopped.”

Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq., said, “Strengthening the ‘Move Over Law’ by expanding the protection to all vehicles that are stopped on the side of the road will help save lives. The law is meant to protect motorists, emergency responders, thruway personnel and others assisting disabled vehicles. When you see any vehicle pulled over, slow down and safely move over. We thank our partners at New York State Police Troop T for their work patrolling the thruway and keeping motorists safe.”

Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The expansion of New York’s ‘Move Over Law’ to include disabled and stopped vehicles in the roadway is critical to achieving the goal of eliminating fatalities on the roadways. With 37 individuals killed outside of disable vehicles on New York’s roadways from 2016-20, Gov. Hochul’s actions to expand the ‘Move Over Law’ will fundamentally save lives by putting safety first.”

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The New York State Police remains committed to keeping our roadways safe – for those who travel them, and for those who work on them. By expanding the ‘Move Over Law’ and vigorously enforcing its provisions, we will be able to further improve safety for all who utilize our roads throughout the state.”

New York State Sen. Lea Webb said, "By requiring that drivers use due care, reduce speed, and change lanes when approaching vehicles stopped along our roadways, we can decrease the number of fatalities and serious injuries that occur.”

Visit GTSC’s website for additional information about the “Move Over Law” and other highway safety initiatives.