Relates to permitting certain holders of class DJ and class MJ licenses to drive to volunteer fire and ambulance activities

2 Co-sponsors

• John J. Bonacic
• Dale M. Volker

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to permitting holders of class DJ and class MJ licenses to drive to volunteer fire and ambulance activities

Purpose

To permit young people who hold junior drivers licenses to drive at night to participate in volunteer tire and ambulance activities.

Summary of provisions

This bill would amend Section 501 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to authorize junior license holders to drive at night when traveling to or from a fire, alarm of fire, accident or alarm of accident for the provision of volunteer fire or ambulance services.

Justification

Currently, drivers holding a junior license may drive between the hours of nine o'clock in the evening to live o'clock in the morning only when going to and from school or to or from a place of business where the holder is employed on a regularly scheduled basis, unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian. A young person may not drive to and from volunteer fire or ambulance activities during these hours under current law.

Young people should be encouraged to participate in volunteer fire and ambulance service. Not only do these individuals provide important volunteer emergency services to their communities. but service at a young age may make it more likely that these individuals will continue to serve with volunteer fire and ambulance companies throughout their lives. This bill will ensure that young people are not hindered in their efforts to participate in volunteer fire and ambulance services due to the current restrictions on junior licenses.

Legislative history

S.5775-A of 2008.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

180 days after becoming a law.