Bill > S05661

This bill amends the vehicle and traffic law to require drivers to create a "rescue lane" when an authorized emergency vehicle (such as an ambulance, fire truck, or emergency response vehicle) is approaching with lights and sirens activated. Under the new law, drivers must immediately move their vehicles to either the left or right edge of the roadway to create a clear center lane for the emergency vehicle to pass, regardless of the number of lanes. On roadways with multiple lanes, drivers in the leftmost lane will move left, drivers in the rightmost lane will move right, and drivers in center lanes will move toward either side to create a central passage. On single-lane roads, drivers must move as far to the right as possible. This requirement applies when traffic is moving slowly, stopped, or in gridlock, ensuring that emergency vehicles can quickly and safely navigate through traffic. The bill emphasizes that this new requirement does not absolve emergency vehicle drivers from maintaining reasonable care while driving. The law will take effect immediately upon passage.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5661