As the new year approaches there are a number of laws to keep in mind for 2011.
One of the most important new laws is the Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act. The law requires motorists to change lanes when they are adjacent to an emergency vehicle on the side of the road.
The law is named after state trooper Robert Ambrose and Onondaga County Sherriff's deputy Glenn Searles, who were both killed when their patrol cars were hit while they were stopped on the side of the road. There are signs up along stretches of highways notifying drivers of the new law.
it's all in an effort to make emergency responder's job's safer. it's important to note that it's ok if you can't move over because of traffic, but you do have to make every effort to change lanes.
On roads, the new law requires you to slow down and exercise care when passing an emergency vehicle.
Another law will change how you license your dog.
Licensing responsibilities will shift from the state to local municipalities. This means that local government can set their own fees, which could mean a rate change.
The state says the move could save New York $175,000 per year.
And finally, Ian's Law also goes into effect, which puts an end to a state healthcare loophole that allowed New York to dump a number of insurance holders in order to drop one high-cost member.
