What is New York State’s “move over law?”
New York’s move over law, vehicle and traffic law (VTL) §1144(a), took effect on January 1, 2011. It is the law requiring motorists to move over and change lanes to give safe clearance to emergency and hazard vehicles. These vehicles include police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, and construction vehicles. In 2012, VTL §1144(a) was expanded to include tow trucks and snow plows. A conviction for VTL §1144(a) is three (3) points and a $275.00 fine.
Many jurisdictions in New York State will not plea bargain a VTL §1144(a) violation. A defense to the ticket is that it was not safe to move over and change lanes, i.e. there was another car in the way. This is a subjective test and the defendant may need to testify as to the conditions of moving over.
Bottom line, move over and change lanes if it is safe to do so whenever you see red, blue, or amber emergency lights.
New York’s move over law, vehicle and traffic law (VTL) §1144(a), took effect on January 1, 2011. It is the law requiring motorists to move over and change lanes to give safe clearance to emergency and hazard vehicles. These vehicles include police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, and construction vehicles. In 2012, VTL §1144(a) was expanded to include tow trucks and snow plows. A conviction for VTL §1144(a) is three (3) points and a $275.00 fine.
Many jurisdictions in New York State will not plea bargain a VTL §1144(a) violation. A defense to the ticket is that it was not safe to move over and change lanes, i.e. there was another car in the way. This is a subjective test and the defendant may need to testify as to the conditions of moving over.
Bottom line, move over and change lanes if it is safe to do so whenever you see red, blue, or amber emergency lights.
