November 20 and 21 NY Troopers from Troop C issued 69 tickets for failing to move over. If you see a vehicle on the side of the road, slow down and move over a lane if it’s safe to do so. If you see another driver trying to move over, give them the space they need. (Photo from the NYSP)

CORTLAND - From November 17 to 21 was Crash Responder Safety Week, and the New York State Troopers joined the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the New York State Thruway Authority to focus on Move Over Law violations and educate motorists about roadway safety. 

Troopers from the Troop C Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Unit teamed up with NYSDOT crews in two locations: Interstate 81 in Cortland County and Interstate 88 in the town of Otego.  

DOT workers were completing tasks along the shoulder, including guiderail repair, sign maintenance, tree removal, and other essential roadway work. While DOT crews operated in these active work zones, Troopers monitored traffic to ensure motorists were slowing down and moving over, as required by law.

November 20, 2025: Troopers issued 30 tickets on I-81 in Cortland County and 9 tickets on I-88 in the town of Otego for failing to move over. 

November 21, 2025:   Troopers issued 39 tickets on I-81 in Cortland County for failing to move over.

New York State implemented the Move Over Law in 2010 to reduce crashes involving emergency responders stopped along the roadway. The law later expanded to include hazard vehicles, tow trucks, and highway workers. In 2023, the law expanded again—now requiring drivers to slow down and move over for any vehicle stopped on the roadway, not just emergency or service vehicles. 

If you see a vehicle on the side of the road, slow down and move over a lane if it’s safe to do so. If you see another driver trying to move over, give them the space they need. Your actions behind the wheel could save a life. Everyone deserves to go home.

- Information from the NYSP