ALBANY, NY — New York’s Move Over Law has expanded to include all vehicles.

Starting on March 27, drivers must slow down and move over when passing any vehicle stopped on the shoulder. When the law first went into effect in 2010, it focused on preventing collisions with emergency vehicles stopped on the roadway. Over time, it has been expanded to cover hazard vehicles, highway worker vehicles, and tow trucks as well.

But from 2016 to 2020, 37 people were killed outside disabled vehicles in New York, said Governor Kathy Hochul. Nearly 300 drivers are struck and killed on the roadside every year in the United States.

In 2023, Hochul signed a bill to further strengthen the law. Drivers must change into a lane not immediately adjacent to the vehicle or, if unable to change lanes safely, slow down to a reasonable speed.

Steven G. James, the acting superintendent of the New York State Police, supports the strengthened law.

“By expanding the Move Over Law and vigorously enforcing its provisions, we will be able to further improve safety for all who utilize our roads throughout the state,” he said. “I thank Governor Hochul for her shared dedication and steadfast commitment to enhancing safety on New York’s roadways.”