What's happening
Writing a plain-English summary… Track this bill to get it by email.
Why it matters
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Sponsors
History
- Referred to transportation
- Print number 389a
- Amend and recommit to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Prohibits the use of hand-held communication devices while operating a vehicle on a public highway
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Ronald Canestrari
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to use of hand-held communication devices while operating a motor vehicle
Purpose
This act would prohibit the use of hand-held communication devices while operating a motor vehicle.
Summary of provisions
Section 1225-c of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding handheld communication devices among those devices prohibited from use while operating a motor vehicle.
Justification
Typing on a hand held communication device, an act more commonly known as text messaging, has recently topped the list of most dangerous driver distractions, Text messaging is being considered more dangerous than talking on cell phones and often times just as hazardous as driving under the influence. 'Texting' takes an individual's eyes and mind off the road, as well as their hands off the steering wheel while operating a motor vehicle. Earlier this year in Kentucky, an 18 year old driver told police that he took his eyes off the road to type a text message when he struck and killed a two year old boy. States such as California have recognized this problem and recently signed similar legislation into law. This manual means of communication must be prohibited in order to ensure the safety of New York's drivers and pedestrians.
Legislative history
2007/2008 - S.580/A.6635 Remained in the Senate/Assembly Committee on Transportation
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.