New York: New law: 'Move Over' for garbage trucks
As of Tuesday, it will be illegal to speed past sanitation vehicles. By classifying garbage trucks and waste collection vehicles as “hazard vehicles,” New York is now the 12th state to enact a ”Slow Down to Get Around” law, which builds off the preexisting “Move Over” law.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law in August, and it takes effect Tuesday. The state Legislature passed the measure in June. Motorists must now reduce their speed when passing waste and recycling collection vehicles with flashing lights. The trucks in the new law are defined as any motor vehicle with a rear compaction function that is intended for the collection of refuse.
A violation of the law comes with a fine of $45 to $100 and can carry a prison term of up to 15 days. The "Move Over" law in 2012 required motorists to slow down when passing a construction zone or public safety vehicle with flashing lights. The law comes nearly a year after a Taylor Garbage Services employee, Sean R. Tilghman, was killed by a motorist in Tioga County.
The 27-year-old Endicott native was struck as he was unloading a bin into the garbage truck. Advocates for the law said it was needed, citing federal statistics that show the job has the fifth highest rate of injuries, accidents and fatalities. Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano is hosting a press conference Tuesday to promote the law.
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