New York Move Over Rules: Stopped Vehicles and Emergency Traffic

On parkways and controlled-access highways, New York’s expanded Move Over rule includes ordinary stopped cars. Whenever you pass a roadside vehicle, slow down and leave space; do not wait to identify a police car, tow truck or flashing warning light before taking precautions.

A vehicle is stopped beside the road

Look ahead, slow down and check surrounding traffic. When safe and lawful, move into a lane that is not immediately next to the stopped vehicle. The rule applies on both sides of the roadway, including the left shoulder.

If you cannot safely change lanes, reduce to a reasonable speed and pass with care. Do not force a lane change into another vehicle’s space. The required care depends on visibility, traffic, road conditions and people outside the stopped vehicle; there is no universal “reduce by this many mph” answer.

For example, a car with a flat tire on the left shoulder calls for checking whether you can safely move right, away from it. A right-side breakdown calls for checking space to the left. Keep watching for people, opening doors and vehicles re-entering traffic.

An emergency vehicle is approaching

An emergency vehicle responding with warning lights requires a different response: safely pull to the right edge of the road and stop, then wait for it to pass. This includes an emergency vehicle approaching in the opposite lane of a two-way road.

If you are already in an intersection, clear it before pulling over. If you hear a nearby siren but cannot locate the vehicle, safely pull right and stop until you know it is not heading toward you. Police emergency responses do not always require an audible siren or horn, so watch the lights as well as listening.

Follow lawful traffic-officer directions and look for additional responding vehicles before proceeding.

Two situations to remember

• A private car is stopped on the shoulder: slow down, move away when safe, and pass carefully.
• An ambulance is coming through traffic: pull right and stop to let it pass.

Leave enough room to react before either situation develops. Review following distance and poor weather.

Official sources

Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1144-a

Reviewed October 29, 2026. DMV’s October 15, 2026 safety reminder, GTSC Move Over guide, state guidance on passing stopped vehicles and DMV Chapter 5: emergency vehicles.