If you are a licensed New York State driver, or even a transplant from out of state into New York, hopefully you're familiar with the standard rules of the road. For new drivers, some of the rules may require a bit of comprehension, while others are arguably common sense.

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A recent change though, to a New York State Law for drivers, is important for you to be aware of.

SEE ALSO: Viral Comedian Calls Out Terrible Poughkeepsie Drivers

What Is The Move Over Law?

In New York State, there is a law that requires drivers to take certain precautions 'including slowing down and moving over, to avoid a crash with any vehicle stopped along the roadway.'

Back in 2010, the Move Over Law was implemented in the state to prevent collisions with emergency vehicles that happened to be stopped on the road. Initially referred to as the Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act, named in honor of Trooper Robert W. Ambrose and Sheriff Deputy Glenn M. Searles, who sadly lost their lives in roadside collision incidents.

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What Does The Move Over Law Say Now in New York State?

Over the years, the law has been expanded a number of times, and beyond emergency vehicles, also include hazard vehicles, highway worker vehicles, s well as tow trucks. A common way that this has been described in the past is to move over as soon as you see lights, sirens, or reflectors.

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What you may not be aware of, is the fact that in 2023, the Move Over law was expanded again to cover all vehicles stopped on the roadway....not just those associated with lights, sirens, or reflectors. This change went into effect earlier in 2024.

Whether this is old news or brand new information, it is helpful to know in order to keep our roadways as safe as possible. Are you also aware of these other New York State laws?

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