Relates to the operation of vehicles when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency or hazard vehicle or volunteer first responder

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the operation of vehicles when approaching a parked, stopped or standing vehicle displaying a blue or green light

Purpose or general idea of bill

To increase the roadside safety of volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers.

Summary of specific provisions

The bill would require all motor vehicle operators to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a vehicle parked, stopped or standing on the shoulder or any portion of a roadway while displaying a revolving blue light or revolving green light as authorized by law. The bill also would require that, on parkways and controlled access highways, due care would include moving from the lane containing or adjacent to the shoulder where such vehicles are parked, stopped or standing.

Justification

The "Move-Over Law" requires drivers approaching stopped police, emergency or hazard vehicles with their lights flashing to slow down and, if on a divided highway, to move over at least one lane away from that vehicle if traffic conditions allow. Violators face a fine between $150 and $400 and/or up to 45 days imprisonment depending upon if it's a first or repeat offense.

This legislation would build upon the protections the "Move-Over Law" provides our authorized emergency personnel and hazard vehicle operators by including vehicles operated by volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers involved in roadside emergency operations, which are displaying revolving blue or green lights as authorized by law.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law.