Red Light Cameras Are A Tax
New York’s Move Over Law was expanded beginning January 1, 2012. The old law, which was the subject of a prior article, added to duties to motorists who are approaching emergence vehicles. That law read in part as follows:
- 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.
The new law now requires motorists to reduce speed and switch lanes while approaching amber lights. This expands the protections intended under this law to tow trucks, other emergency vehicles, and highway construction crews.
Since the new law came into effect last year, more than 16,000 summonses were issued to motorists who violated this law.
The penalty for violating this statute may include a fine up to $275, a mandatory court surcharge of $85, and a possible jail sentence of up to 15 days.
The original law went into effect on January 1, 2011. Known as the Ambrose -Searles Move Over Act, the law was named for New York State Trooper Robert W. Ambrose and Onondaga County Sheriff Glenn M. Searles, who were killed while their patrol car were stopped on the side of the road.
Keep in mind that nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice. If you need a legal opinion with regard to a matter pending against you, seek the advice of an attorney.
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