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Right-of-way and intersections

On a multi-lane parkway, a private car with a flat tire is stopped on the shoulder. It has no emergency or hazard-vehicle lights. What does the Move Over Law ask of you?

  1. Move over as the law requires; it covers any motor vehicle stopped on a parkway shoulder. Correct answer
  2. Nothing; the law covers only emergency and hazard vehicles with their lights on.
  3. Nothing, as long as you stay at or below the speed limit.

Why

The first part of the Move Over Law covers emergency and hazard vehicles with their lights on: on all roads you slow down and take care, and on parkways, interstates and other controlled access roads with more than one lane you also leave the lane next to them unless traffic or another hazard makes that unsafe. The manual then goes further. Drivers must also move over for any motor vehicle that is parked, stopped or standing on a parkway or controlled-access highway, whether on the shoulder or elsewhere on the road. A stranded private car counts, even without special lights. The second answer leaves out that part of the law, and keeping to the speed limit is not what the law asks for. On a parkway or controlled-access highway, what triggers the duty is a motor vehicle stopped on the shoulder or anywhere else on the road, whatever kind it is and whatever lights it carries.

Where this comes from

New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is Move over as the law requires; it covers any motor vehicle stopped on a parkway shoulder.

More on right-of-way and intersections

  1. A private car behind you shows a flashing green light. The driver is a volunteer ambulance member. What is true about this vehicle?
  2. You reach the yield line of a roundabout and cars are already circling inside it. Who has the right-of-way?
  3. You are approaching a roundabout that has two entry lanes. When and how should you choose your lane?
  4. You have a green light and plan to go straight across. A car that entered the intersection before you is still completing its left turn across your path. What must you do?

All 12 questions on this topic

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