Prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle on a public road, street or highway which is equipped with a display device within the view of the operator

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the operation of motor vehicles with a display device

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this bill is to prevent practices of distracted driving by prohibiting the viewing of visual images through display devices while operating a motor vehicle.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill would prohibit any person from operating a motor vehicle with a display device within the view of the operator or in which the display device is in operation within the view of the operator on any public highway within this state.

Additionally this bill would prohibit motor vehicles from being equipped with display devices, solely because display devices utilize power from vehicle. In the event of a motor vehicle being equipped with a display device, a motor vehicle must be equipped with a functioning device that disables the display device while the vehicle is in motion.

The provision of this subdivision will not prohibit a vehicle with a weight of ten thousand pounds or more or a school bus from using television receiving equipment exclusively for safety and maneuvering purposes in accordance with the regulations to establish by the commissioner.

"Display devices" shall mean equipment designed and used for the purpose of receiving and displaying broadcast television images, visual images from a digital video disc recorder or player or video cassette recorder or player, or visual images while transmitted by wireless digital technology.

The term "display device" shall not include the following:

(IV) Any display device or system used for displaying information intended to enhance traffic safety;

(V) Any controls and displays related to an audio entertainment system, heating or air conditioning system or other accessory integrated into the electrical system of a motor vehicle;

(VI) Any display device or system in a vehicle that permits the vehicle driver to monitor vehicle occupants seated rearward of the driver;

(VII) Any display device or system whose primary function is transmitting and receiving emergency alert messages;

(VIII) Any display device or system whose primary function is transmitting and receiving messages related to the operation of the vehicle;

(IX) Any use of a display device or system while a vehicle is parked; and,

(X) Any display device or system used in a law enforcement vehicle, fire vehicle, ambulance or other emergency vehicle.

Justification

This bill seeks to address the use and abuse of to day's technology while driving on the road. Today's automobile manufacturers are installing video monitors within vehicles for a variety of reasons. Many such monitors are human aid tools, which assist the driver such as global positioning or navigational systems. However, many drivers have devices such as DVD, VHS or other display devices installed within their vehicles for the sole purpose of entertainment. This bill seeks to prevent distracted driving by making it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle which is equipped with a television set, or other video monitor upon which programming may be displayed within the view of the operator of such a vehicle.

Prior legislative history

2007-2008 - A.1730D 05/13/08 - Amend and recommit to codes 05/13/08 - Print number 1730D

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have became a law; provided, however, that effective immediately the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act an its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.