The New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association is urging drivers to slow down and move over for stopped emergency and other authorized vehicles as Labor Day weekend brings heavier traffic and increased enforcement across the state.
The reminder comes after state troopers issued nearly 1,300 tickets for Move Over Law violations during Labor Day weekend in 2025, part of more than 131,000 traffic tickets issued statewide over the holiday period.
New York's Move Over Law requires motorists approaching an emergency or other authorized vehicle stopped along the roadway to reduce their speed and move over when it is safe to do so. The rule is intended to protect officers and others working near moving traffic.
The union said troopers will be conducting enforcement during the holiday travel period while also handling traffic stops and other roadside duties. Those assignments can place officers outside their patrol vehicles and close to passing motorists.
Struck-by incidents, in which a law enforcement officer is hit by a driver while working outside a patrol vehicle, are among the leading causes of injury-related deaths in policing, according to the PBA.
PBA President Charles W. Murphy said routine traffic stops can become life-threatening when approaching drivers fail to use caution. He called on motorists to accept a short delay rather than risk the life of an officer or another person working beside the road.
“Move Over is not a suggestion. It's the law,” Murphy said. “We want every family celebrating this holiday weekend to reach their destination safely, and that only happens when drivers uphold their responsibility to slow down and move over.”
Drivers are required to slow down and move over as they approach a stopped emergency or other authorized vehicle. Murphy said the union's message for the holiday weekend is straightforward: slow down, move over and stay safe.
The New York State Troopers PBA represents 7,000 active and retired uniformed members.
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