The Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act

Many motorists are unaware of New York's "Move Over" law codified at NY VTL 1144-a.  The law was originally enacted in 2010 as the "Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act" in honor of Trooper Robert W. Ambrose and Sheriff Deputy Glenn M. Seamless, both of whom died in the line of duty after being struck by a vehicle while stopped on the shoulder of the road.  The law was amended in 2012 to include not only police, fire, and ambulance vehicles, but also hazard vehicles displaying amber lights such as tow trucks and maintenance vehicles.

New York's Move Over law requires that motorists exercise due care to avoid colliding with an authorized emergency or hazard vehicle while that vehicle is stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights.  The law requires that the approaching motorist move one full lane away from the stopped vehicle.  However, the motorist is not required to move over one full lane if doing so would be unsafe or violate the vehicle and traffic laws. 

The Penalties For Failing To Move From Lane Tickets

Failing to move from lane traffic tickets carry a 2 point penalty.  Accrue 11 points in any 18 month period and your New York drivers license will be suspended.  If convicted you will also be assessed a fine of up to $150 and a $93 surcharge.  The fine increases if you receive any additional move over convictions during the following 18 months.  More specifically, the fine for your second conviction will cost you $300 and your third conviction will cost $450.  

The move over law is often confused with the requirement to yield right of way to an emergency motor vehicle.  Seemingly, this is due to the similarities between the specific sections of the VTL in which the two requirements are found.  More specifically, the New York Move Over law is codified in the VTL at 1144-a sections (a) and (b) or VTL 1144-a(a-b).  In contrast, the requirement to yield right of way to an emergency motor vehicle approaching from the rear is codified in the VTL at 1144 section (a) or VTL 1144(a).  Thus, the apparent confusion.  Failure to yield right of way to an emergency vehicle under VTL 1144(a) carries 3 points and up to a $275 fine. 

Contact A Failing To Move From Lane Ticket Attorney

Consult with a lawyer if you receive a ticket for violating VTL 1144-a.  To adequately defend yourself against a move over ticket requires a thorough understanding of the governing statute and the defenses thereto.  For example, it may be a defense if you were on a two lane highway and moving over would have required you to cross the double yellow line.

The Shelton Law Firm knows how to defend clients charged with move over law tickets.  With our money back guarantee you can relax and we will do all the work.  We will go to court on your behalf and fight to reduce your points, reduce your fines and avoid increases in your insurance rate.  With the Shelton Law Firm on your side, you have the peace of mind to know that your failing to move from lane ticket lawyer will zealously defend your rights.