Bill > A06564

This bill modifies New York's vehicle and traffic law to require drivers to create a "rescue lane" when emergency vehicles are approaching, expanding on existing requirements for yielding to emergency vehicles. Currently, drivers must move to the right-hand edge of the roadway when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and sirens approaches, but the new legislation specifies more detailed instructions for creating a clear path. For multi-lane roadways, drivers in the leftmost lane will move left, drivers in the rightmost lane will move right, and drivers in center lanes will move to either side to create a central lane for emergency vehicles to pass. On single-lane roads, drivers must move as far to the right as possible. The bill applies when traffic is moving slowly, stopped, or in gridlock, ensuring that emergency vehicles can navigate through congested areas more efficiently. The legislation maintains the existing requirement that emergency vehicle drivers still must operate with reasonable care, and it will take effect immediately upon passage.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6564