Provides that the fines for traffic infractions and traffic misdemeanors committed in a school traffic control zone are doubled

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to doubling the fines for traffic infractions and traffic misdemeanors committed in school traffic control zones

Purpose

Provides that the fines for traffic infractions and traffic misdemeanors committed in a school traffic control zone are doubled.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of section 1800 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding subdivision i to state that notwithstanding any other law, rule or regulation to the contrary, that part of any highway adjacent to a school where maximum school speed limits have been established, shall also be designated a school traffic control zone.

Section 2 of section 1801 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new subdivision 3 to state that notwithstanding any other law, rule or regulation to the contrary, all fines for misdemeanor convictions pursuant to this chapter, which are committed in a school traffic control zone shall be double the maximum amount otherwise set out in this chapter for such misdemeanor convictions.

Section 3 states that this act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law. Provided that the commissioner of motor vehicles is immediately authorized and directed to promulgate, amend and/or repeal any rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date.

Justification

It is necessary that harsher punishments are implemented for individuals who violate the vehicle and traffic laws, especially in school traffic zones. Guaranteeing the safety of children should be taken with the utmost concern and importance. The majority of motor vehicles in school zones exceed the speed limit, endangering the welfare of children who are attending school. Taking an aggressive stance to enforce school zone vehicle and traffic laws will further minimize children's risk of getting injured by cars. By creating harsher penalties for people who violate traffic laws in designated school zones, it creates incentive to abide by the laws and hopefully reduce the amount of vehicle and traffic incidents.

Legislative history

2008: S.4922 - Passed Senate/A.8495 - Referred to Transportation 2007: S.4922 - Passed Senate/A.8495 - Referred to Transportation

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law. Provided that the commissioner of motor vehicles is immediately authorized and directed to promulgate, amend and/or repeal any rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date.