MOTORIST MUST CHANGE LANES WHEN APPROACHING EMERGENCY VEHICLE IN NJ

As of January 27, 2009 motorist must be very cautious when approaching a emergency vehicle (which includes stationary tow trucks). According to the new law a motorist approaching a emergency vehicle displaying blinking or flashing lights motorist must attempt to make a lane change to the adjacent lane. If the motorist is unable to change lanes then the motorist MUST slow down to a safe speed, which is defined by the statute as a speed that is less then the posted speed limit for the roadway. Failure to do the above will result in a fine and motor vehicle points being assessed against the motorist. SO BEWARE!!! The new Law NJSA 39:4-92.2, reads as follows:
"Authorized emergency vehicles displaying flashing, blinking or alternating lights; driver duty when approaching stationary emergency vehicles; penaltiesa. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle as defined in R.S.39:1-1 that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red or blue light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, shall approach the authorized emergency vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or(2) If a lane change pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.b. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary tow truck as defined in section 1 of P.L.1999, c. 396 (C.39:3-84.6) that is displaying a flashing amber light or a stationary highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle that is operated by the State, an authority or a county or municipality and displaying flashing yellow, amber, or red lights shall approach the vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the tow truck or highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or(2) If a lane change under paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.c. A violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500."