Visiting New York state? Don't forget to move over for these vehicles

Out-of-state drivers visiting tourism landmarks like Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes region and the Adirondacks this summer can avoid a budget-busting traffic ticket by being aware of New York’s expanded highway protections for stranded vehicles and motorists.

The new rules went into effect March 26, giving New Yorkers a head start in making sure they move over and take reasonable precautions when they come upon stopped or disabled vehicles along roadways in the state.

The legislation was approved by the state Assembly and Senate in June 2023 and signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in October.

The new requirements build on previous versions of the "move over law" that granted protections to law enforcement officers, emergency workers, tow and service vehicle operators and other maintenance workers stopped along roadways while performing their duties.

While a growing number of states are extending protections to stopped vehicles − AAA says 17 others have laws similar to New York's − most do not. Here is what to know if you’re not familiar with New York’s expanded “move over law.”

What the 'move over law' expansion requires

The law requires motorists to "exercise due care and take actions" to avoid collisions when approaching vehicles which are parked, stopped or standing on the shoulder of a parkway or controlled-access highway.

When a driver approaches 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 they are unable to safely change lanes.

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What's the fine for not 'moving over' in New York?

Convicted violators of the "move over law" may be fined up to $150 for a first offense and up to $300 for a second conviction within 18 months.

New York officials called the move over law expansion "critical" to eliminating highway fatalities.

AAA said 1,703 people were struck while outside of a disabled vehicle in the U.S. between 2016-2020, and 37 people were killed outside of disabled vehicles on New York roadways during the same period.

Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account toda

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Visiting New York state? Don't forget to move over for these vehicles