Authorizes the operation of farm vehicles within the state with a class D driver's license; repealer

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing the operation of any farm vehicle within the state by a person with a class D driver's license; and to repeal subparagraph (vi) of paragraph (b) of subdivision 2 of section 501 of such law relating to farm endorsements

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would allow farmers to drive truck/trailer combinations of up to 26,000 pounds statewide with a class D drivers' license. Farmers would be limited to transporting agriculture products, farm machinery, farm supplies or all of the aforementioned. Hazardous waste transportation would be excluded.

Summary of provisions

Bill section 1 amends vehicle and traffic law subparagraph (iv) of paragraph (a) of subdivision 2 of section 501 to require that:

- class D license shall be valid to operate any passenger or limited use automobile or any truck with a GVWR of not more than 26,000 pounds of any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR of not more than 10,000 pounds, or any such vehicle towing another vehicle with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds provided such combination of vehicles has a GVWR of not more than 26,000 pounds.

- subparagraph (vi) of paragraph (b) of subdivision 2 of section 501 of vehicle and traffic law is repealed.

- subdivision 7 of section 501-a of vehicle and traffic law is amended to read as follows:

7. Farm vehicle - a vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a GVWR of not more than 26,000 pounds which is controlled and operated by a farmer, is used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, farm supplies or all of the aforementioned to or from the farm and is not used in the operation of a common or contract motor carrier and such vehicle or vehicles are operated within this state.

Effects of present law which this bill would alter

Under current law, farmers are allowed to move 26,000 pound truck/trailer combinations only up to a 150 mile radius of the person's farm with a class D license. Under this bill a farmer would have the ability to travel statewide with a class D license and a 26,000 pound truck/trailer combination.

Justification

In many cases farmers need to be allowed statewide transportation of agricultural products to meet the changing marketplace. Upstate farmers are being asked to market their products to the New York City area. In addition, farmers may show livestock or animals in another geographic area of the state from where their farms are located. The present class D driver's license, 26,000 pound, 150 mile requirement from a person's farm is outdated and adds a notable constraint to a farmers ability to successfully conduct his or her business.

Prior legislative history

S.7567/A.10636 (2008)

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on January 1 following its enactment.