A new state law designed to protect law enforcement, fire personnel and emergency workers, which took effect on January 1, 2011, requires motorists to move over or slow down when approaching a parked authorized emergency vehicle with emergency lights flashing.
The Ambrose-Searles “Move Over” Act obligates drivers to move over to the lane that is farthest from where the emergency vehicle is pulled over. On single lane roads, drivers are required to slow down and take care to pass emergency vehicles at a safe distance. This applies to any emergency vehicle with its flashing lights on.
If you do not slow down and change lanes when approaching such a vehicle, you can be issued a moving violation which carries 2 points and up to a $150 fine. On single lane roads, motorists must slow down and use caution.
It has been reported to COLlive.com that this week, many drivers to the Catskills have been issued summons for not obeying this law. Drivers said they witnessed a police car on the side of the road with lights on (and sometimes without), waiting for motorists to fail to move over. Despite there being no emergency, motorists are then pulled over and issued a “move over” ticket, a 2-point violation.
Because this is a new law, this particular trap has been very effective catching many motorists in “violation” of the law.
Attempting to trap people just leads good common citizens to continue to look more unfavorably on police officers. These tactics just fan the egos of police officers and help to mitigate the enormous debts of the state.
Being the law is new, then they would place signs all over, TV, radio, and give people warnings…
Nah… they are out to get your money, thugs is what they are.
On behalf of ALL my fellow Hatzolah brothers, there is a reason why this law was enacted. While I don’t (never did) agree with trapping people, I certainly think that everyone should be aware of this law. We’ve been on MANY a call where passing motorists came just a wee bit too close. At a time when emergency workers are being seriously hurt or worse at roadside stops, this law is directed at YOU. If you can’t (or won’t) obey it, sorry you deserve the fine..
its been effective since january and all states down south have it for a long time
I agree with the law, but since it’s so new, I think a warning would be appropriate for now. Once a transition period (say, three or four months) is over, ticket away.
Same as a speeding “trap.” Cops have every right to do it. If you break the law you’re liable for the consequences–whining and “not knowing” are no defense.
I DONT REALLY UNDERSTAND THIS ARTICLE BUT IM GUESSING THAT THIS LAW WILL BE GOOD
Mr. Hatzalah we thank you for your service, its not the finwe which is the issue its the cops sitting waiting to trap that is the issue
As a Hatzalah member and someone who has been on the side of the road helping other on many occasions with cars speeding within inches, I feel this is very good law and probably the fine should be higher.
#6 the recidivism rate for criminals in ny city (State also?) is 60%.
When will the government stop dumping ‘toxic waste’ on the public?
C’mon people…the State needs the money!
looks like they can make any law they want
Don’t forget that it is now the end of the month and the police need to make their monthly quotas. So be especially careful as they are going to be especially aggressive.
Be careful before Goshen NY. That is where they got me.
I got pulled over and they ticketed me even though i had never heard of this. and i have a perfectly clean record.They charged me $160 PLUS an $80 processing fee.