Police Targeting Violators of 'Move Over Act'

Police will keep a watchful eye for motorists who aren't mindful of emergency vehicles parked on roadsides this week, and not paying attention could cost you nearly $300.

The Ambrose-Searles “Move Over Act” was approved in summer 2010 and . It requires motorists approaching an emergency vehicle parked or stopped on the shoulder to slow down when on single-lane street and — when safety permits — to move over a lane on highways and parkways.

New York State Trooper Robert W. Ambrose was killed on the New York State Thruway when his patrol car was struck by a passing vehicle while he investigated an accident on Dec. 19, 2002. The new law is designed to protect the safety of such roadside emergency responders in the future.

New York State and Westchester County Police announced that there will be added enforcement of the law from April 17 - 23.

"The highway is one of the most dangerous situations for law enforcement," Troop K Commander Michael A Kopy said in a press release. "We hope that by vigorously enforcing the new law we will improve safety for emergency responders who work in these hazardous conditions."

Violating the Ambrose-Searles “Move Over Act” is punishable by a fine up to $275 and two points on a driver's record.

The Ambrose-Searles “Move Over Act” states that:

• Drivers must use due care when approaching an emergency vehicle that displays red and/or white emergency lighting.
• On all roads and highways, drivers must reduce speed.
• On parkways and other controlled access highways with multiple lanes, drivers must move from the lane immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle, unless traffic or other hazards exist to prevent doing so safely.