The “Move Over” traffic safety law will be expanded on New Year’s Day to include tow truck operators and other authorized personnel involved in roadside assistance or highway maintenance.

The law requires that, when possible, motorists must change lanes when they approach an incident where there is a vehicle with flashing red or amber lights. The new law adds the amber lights. When it is not possible to move over, or there is only one lane, drivers must slow down.

The amendment to the state Vehicle & Traffic Law takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.

“Drivers must be aware that the Move Over Law has been expanded to cover tow truck operators as well as construction and maintenance crews—in addition to laws already in place requiring them to move over for police who’ve pulled over motorists,” said Joan McDonald, commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation.

New York State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico added, “The men and women who work on our highways perform essential, often life saving, services. It’s always been common sense to move over to give them room to do their jobs, and now it’s the law.”

Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, the Move Over law is expanded to cover “hazard vehicles,” such as tow trucks, HELP trucks, highway maintenance trucks and any other vehicle being used in the construction or maintenance of roadways.

-SEE MOVE OVER ON PG. 63-

Drivers who violate the Move Over law could be fined up to $275, plus a court surcharge of $85, and sentenced to up to 15 days in jail. The driver also could be assessed three points on their driving record.