New York State Police will focus on drivers who fail to leave room for stopped vehicles during a statewide enforcement campaign running Monday, November 2, through Friday, November 6. This initiative is part of the New York Troopers to Enforce Move Over Law Violations.
The October 30 announcement says troopers will work with the state Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority during Crash Responder Safety Week. The effort combines enforcement and driver education.
Protection is not limited to emergency vehicles
Police say New York’s Move Over Law was expanded in March 2024 to cover all vehicles parked or stopped on the shoulder or another part of a parkway or controlled-access highway. That includes a personal car with a flat tire or mechanical problem, even when no responder is there.
The agencies urge drivers to slow down, check nearby traffic and move over when safe. If changing lanes would be unsafe, reduce speed and pass cautiously.
Watch both shoulders
Officials also remind motorists to look for stopped vehicles and people on either side of the road, including the left shoulder. Flashing lights and reflective clothing can signal that someone is working close to moving traffic.
The announcement does not identify specific Mohawk Valley enforcement locations or hours.
The Phoenix recently covered the state’s tribute to Thruway maintenance worker Jamil Wilson, a separate story about roadside-worker safety. This new campaign adds a specific November enforcement window for drivers to know.
Featured image: AI-generated editorial illustration created with OpenAI. This fictional roadside scene does not show an actual incident.
