Move over from emergency vehicles on highway, or risk a ticket in week-long crackdown

State and county police this week will be enforcing the new "Move Over Act," which requires drivers to use caution to avoid colliding with an authorized emergency vehicle which is parked, stopped or standing on the shoulder of a road or highway with its emergency lights on.

The week-long enforcement is being conducted throughout the Lower Hudson Valley. It started Sunday, with troopers staging a "Move Over Detail" on the Sprain Brook Parkway and issuing tickets to 29 drivers accused of failing to move over.

Under the law, also known as Ambrose-Searles Act, drivers must:

- Slow down on all roads when encountering emergency vehicles with emergency lights on.

- On parkways, interstates, and other controlled-access highways with multiple lanes, drivers are further required to move from the lane immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle, unless traffic or other hazards prevent a safe lane change.

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

Violations could result in a fine of up to $275 and mandatory court charges, plus two points on the driver's record.